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Updated: May 12, 2026
Therapeutic Gene Delivery and Transfection in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells using Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-targeted Gelatin Nanoparticles
Published on: January 4, 2012
EGFR antisense oligonucleotides encapsulated with nanoparticles decrease EGFR, MAPK1 and STAT5 expression in a human
Ahmad Gholamhoseinian Najar1, Roghiyeh Pashaei-Asl, Yadollah Omidi
1Department of Biochemistry and Kerman Physiology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract:
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in several human cancers. This would suggest that inhibition of EGFR is a reasonable approach for cancer treatment. In this study we investigated EGFR blocking and its effects on the mediated signaling such as MAPK and STATb in HT29 cells. For this aim we used FITC-labeled EGFR antisense oligonucleotides encapsulated with PAMAM nanoparticles to inhibit EGFR expression. Cellular uptake of antisense was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. The effect of EGFR antisense on the expression of EGFR in HT29 cells was examined by real time PCR and Western blots, which showed that antisense encapsulated with PAMAM decreased the level of EGFR mRNA and protein. In addition, real time PCR results confirmed that EGFR inhibition had an effective role in the reduction of EGFR dependent downstream genes. In conclusion, EGFR antisense encapsulated with PAMAM nanoparticles down regulated EGFR and EGFR-mediated genes.
Insights
This study shows that PAMAM nanoparticles effectively deliver EGFR antisense oligonucleotides to HT29 cancer cells, significantly reducing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and downstream signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is common in many human cancers.
- Targeting EGFR is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of EGFR antisense oligonucleotides delivered via PAMAM nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the impact of EGFR inhibition on downstream signaling pathways (MAPK, STAT3) in HT29 cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized FITC-labeled EGFR antisense oligonucleotides encapsulated in PAMAM nanoparticles.
- Assessed cellular uptake using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
- Quantified EGFR mRNA and protein levels via real-time PCR and Western blotting.
Main Results:
- PAMAM nanoparticle-encapsulated antisense effectively reduced EGFR mRNA and protein expression in HT29 cells.
- EGFR inhibition led to a decrease in EGFR-dependent downstream gene expression.
- Confirmed successful cellular uptake of the antisense oligonucleotides.
Conclusions:
- EGFR antisense oligonucleotides delivered by PAMAM nanoparticles represent a viable strategy for downregulating EGFR.
- This approach effectively inhibits EGFR and its associated signaling pathways, offering potential for cancer treatment.
