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Carbon Nanospheres Exert Antitumor Effects Associated with Downregulation of 4E-BP1 Expression on Prostate Cancer
Weimin Dong1, Yong Luo2, Guian Zhang1
1Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China.
Introduction:
Although carbon nanospheres (CNPs) are promising nanomaterials in cancer treatment, how they affect prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear.
Methods:
In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy were used to confirm the successful synthesis of CNPs. CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell, wound healing, Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor effect of CNPs toward the two kinds of prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145.
Results:
Our results showed that CNPs inhibited cell growth, invasion, and migration and induced apoptosis and autophagy in PCa cells. Multifactor detection of a single Akt phosphorylation pathway and Western blot results suggested the suppression of 4E-BP1 in PCa cells after incubation with CNPs. The results from animal experiments also suggested the antitumor effect of CNPs and reduced 4E-BP1 expression in PCa tissue samples from BALB/c nude mice administered a local subcutaneous injection of CNPs.
Insights
Carbon nanospheres (CNPs) show promise in treating prostate cancer (PCa). CNPs inhibit PCa cell growth, invasion, and migration, while inducing apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Carbon nanospheres (CNPs) are emerging as potential therapeutic agents in cancer treatment.
- The specific effects of CNPs on prostate cancer (PCa) progression and cellular mechanisms remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antitumor effects of synthesized CNPs on human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145).
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, including effects on apoptosis, autophagy, and key signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of CNPs confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy.
- Antitumor efficacy evaluated through CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell, wound healing, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays.
- Analysis of the Akt phosphorylation pathway and 4E-BP1 expression in vitro and in vivo models.
Main Results:
- CNPs significantly inhibited PCa cell growth, invasion, and migration.
- CNPs induced apoptosis and autophagy in PCa cells.
- Suppression of the Akt phosphorylation pathway and 4E-BP1 expression was observed in PCa cells and tumor tissues from treated mice.
Conclusions:
- CNPs demonstrate significant antitumor activity against prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
- The findings suggest that CNPs exert their effects by modulating the Akt/4E-BP1 signaling pathway.
- CNPs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment.
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