Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Repression of Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth In Vivo by Single-wall Carbon Nanotube SWCNT-delivered MALAT1 Antisense Oligos
Published on: December 13, 2018
Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Inhibit Breast Cancer Cell Migration
Abstract:
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US. Cancerous cells may have inadequate adhesions to the extracellular matrix and adjacent cells. Previous work has suggested that restoring these contacts may negate the cancer phenotype. This work aims to restore those contacts using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Varying concentrations of carboxylated MWNTs in water, with or without type I collagen, were dried to create a thin film upon which one of three breast cell lines were seeded: cancerous and metastatic MDA- MB-231 cells, cancerous but non-metastatic MCF7 cells, or non-cancerous MCF10A cells. Proliferation, adhesion, scratch and autophagy assays, western blots, and immunochemical staining were used to assess adhesion and E-cadherin expression. Breast cancer cells grown on a MWNT-collagen coated surface displayed increased adhesion and decreased migration which correlated with an increase in E-cadherin. This work suggests an alternative approach to cancer treatment by physically mediating the cells' microenvironment.
Insights
Restoring cell adhesion with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can reduce breast cancer cell migration and enhance adhesion. This approach physically modifies the tumor microenvironment, offering a novel cancer treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the US.
- Cancer cells often exhibit poor adhesion to surrounding cells and the extracellular matrix.
- Restoring cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion may reverse cancer phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to restore cell adhesion in breast cancer.
- To evaluate the effect of MWNTs on breast cancer cell behavior, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized carboxylated MWNTs with and without type I collagen to create thin films.
- Seeded three breast cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, MCF10A) on these films.
- Assessed cell behavior using proliferation, adhesion, scratch, and autophagy assays, alongside western blots and immunochemical staining for E-cadherin.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer cells cultured on MWNT-collagen surfaces showed enhanced adhesion.
- A decrease in cancer cell migration was observed on these surfaces.
- Increased expression of E-cadherin, a key adhesion molecule, correlated with these changes.
Conclusions:
- MWNT-collagen coatings can improve cell adhesion and reduce migration in breast cancer cells.
- This suggests a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancer by manipulating the cellular microenvironment.
- Physical mediation of the tumor microenvironment using nanomaterials offers a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules