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Gene Expression and Transcriptome Profiling of Changes in a Cancer Cell Line Post-Exposure to Cadmium Telluride
Mohammed S Aldughaim1, Mashael R Al-Anazi2, Marie Fe F Bohol2
1Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) are acquiring great interest in terms of their applications in biomedical sciences. Despite earlier sporadic studies on possible oncogenic roles and anticancer properties of CdTe-QDs, there is limited information regarding the oncogenic potential of CdTe-QDs in cancer progression. Here, we investigated the oncogenic effects of CdTe-QDs on the gene expression profiles of Chang cancer cells. Chang cancer cells were treated with 2 different doses of CdTe-QDs (10 and 25 μg/ml) at different time intervals (6, 12, and 24 h). Functional annotations helped identify the gene expression profile in terms of its biological process, canonical pathways, and gene interaction networks activated. It was found that the gene expression profiles varied in a time and dose-dependent manner. Validation of transcriptional changes of several genes through quantitative PCR showed that several genes upregulated by CdTe-QD exposure were somewhat linked with oncogenesis. CdTe-QD-triggered functional pathways that appear to associate with gene expression, cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, cell-cycle progression, signal transduction, and metabolism. Overall, CdTe-QD exposure led to changes in the gene expression profiles of the Chang cancer cells, highlighting that this nanoparticle can further drive oncogenesis and cancer progression, a finding that indicates the merit of immediate in vivo investigation.
Insights
Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) may drive cancer progression. This study found CdTe-QDs altered gene expression in Chang cancer cells, suggesting potential oncogenic effects that warrant further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Oncology
Background:
- Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) have emerging biomedical applications.
- Limited data exists on the oncogenic potential of CdTe-QDs in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oncogenic effects of CdTe-QDs on gene expression profiles in Chang cancer cells.
- To determine the dose- and time-dependent impact of CdTe-QDs on cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Chang cancer cells were exposed to two doses (10 and 25 μg/ml) of CdTe-QDs for three time intervals (6, 12, and 24 h).
- Gene expression profiles were analyzed using functional annotations to identify biological processes, canonical pathways, and gene interaction networks.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate transcriptional changes of selected genes.
Main Results:
- CdTe-QD exposure altered gene expression profiles in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
- Upregulated genes were associated with oncogenesis, cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, cell-cycle progression, signal transduction, and metabolism.
- Functional pathways linked to cancer progression were identified.
Conclusions:
- CdTe-QD exposure can alter gene expression in cancer cells, potentially promoting oncogenesis and cancer progression.
- Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess the full impact of CdTe-QDs on cancer development.
