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Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
12:08

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

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Involvement of telomerase activity inhibition and telomere dysfunction in silver nanoparticles anticancer effects

Biao Chen1,2, Yajun Zhang2,3, Yaning Yang1,2

  • 1School of Environmental Science & Optoelectronic Technology, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China.

Nanomedicine (London, England)
|September 12, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) inhibit cancer cell growth by interfering with telomerase and telomere function. Modulating telomerase activity or telomere integrity affects AgNP-induced cytotoxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit potential anticancer properties.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying AgNP-mediated cancer cell death require further elucidation.
  • Telomerase and telomeres are critical regulators of cellular aging and cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of telomerase and telomere in the anticancer effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
  • To determine if AgNPs target the telomerase/telomere pathway for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 25nm polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated AgNPs.
  • Assessed telomerase activity and telomere function.
  • Evaluated AgNP cytotoxicity using cell viability assays under varying telomerase and telomere conditions in HeLa cells.

Main Results:

  • AgNPs were found to inhibit telomerase activity, leading to telomere shortening and dysfunction.
  • Overexpression of telomerase reduced the anticancer effects of AgNPs.
  • Downregulation of telomerase or telomere dysfunction potentiated AgNP cytotoxicity in HeLa cells.

Conclusions:

  • The anticancer effects of AgNPs are significantly mediated through interference with the telomerase/telomere pathway.
  • Targeting telomerase and telomere function represents a viable strategy for AgNP-based cancer therapy.
Keywords:
anticancer effectsradiosensitivitysilver nanoparticlestelomerasetelomere

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