Biogenic selenium nanoparticles induce ROS-mediated necroptosis in PC-3 cancer cells through TNF activation

Praveen Sonkusre1, Swaranjit Singh Cameotra2

  • 1Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39 A, Chandigarh, 160036, India.

Abstract

Insights

Biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) induce programmed cell death (necroptosis) in prostate cancer cells. This targeted cell death is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and offers a novel therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show anticancer properties, but mechanisms are cell-type dependent.
  • Biogenic SeNPs from Bacillus licheniformis JS2 induce non-apoptotic cell death in PC-3 prostate cancer cells at 2 µg Se/ml.
  • Previous studies identified SeNPs' anticancer effect but not the precise mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism by which biogenic SeNPs induce cell death in PC-3 cells.
  • To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and specific cell death pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Cellular internalization studies of SeNPs.
  • Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to analyze gene expression.
  • Western blot analysis for protein expression.
  • Cell viability assays with necroptosis inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • SeNPs at 2 µg Se/ml induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated necroptosis in PC-3 cells.
  • Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) was observed.
  • RIP1 protein expression increased, and necroptosis inhibition significantly reduced cell death.

Conclusions:

  • Biogenic SeNPs trigger cell death in PC-3 cells via ROS-mediated necroptosis.
  • The pathway is regulated by RIP1 kinase, independent of RIP3 and MLKL.
  • This suggests a novel therapeutic approach for prostate cancer using SeNPs.