Reduced Graphene Oxide Modulates the FAK-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells In Vitro
Jaroslaw Szczepaniak1, Malwina Sosnowska1, Mateusz Wierzbicki1
1Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Aggressive invasiveness is a common feature of malignant gliomas, despite their high level of tumor heterogeneity and possible diverse cell origins. Therefore, it is important to explore new therapeutic methods. In this study, we evaluated and compared the effects of graphene (GN) and reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) on a highly invasive and neoplastic cell line, U87. The surface functional groups of the GN and rGO flakes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antitumor activity of these flakes was obtained by using the neutral red assay and their anti-migratory activity was determined using the wound healing assay. Further, we investigated the mRNA and protein expression levels of important cell adhesion molecules involved in migration and invasiveness. The rGO flakes, particularly rGO/ATS and rGO/TUD, were found highly toxic. The migration potential of both U87 and Hs5 cells decreased, especially after rGO/TUD treatment. A post-treatment decrease in mobility and FAK expression was observed in U87 cells treated with rGO/ATS and rGO/TUD flakes. The rGO/TUD treatment also reduced β-catenin expression in U87 cells. Our results suggest that rGO flakes reduce the migration and invasiveness of U87 tumor cells and can, thus, be used as potential antitumor agents.
Insights
Reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) show significant antitumor properties against U87 malignant glioma cells. Specifically, rGO/TUD and rGO/ATS treatments reduced cell migration and invasiveness, suggesting potential as novel therapeutic agents.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Malignant gliomas exhibit aggressive invasiveness, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Tumor heterogeneity and diverse cell origins in gliomas present therapeutic challenges.
- Graphene-based materials offer potential for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the antitumor and anti-migratory effects of graphene (GN) and reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) on U87 malignant glioma cells.
- To investigate the impact of rGOs on cell adhesion molecules involved in migration and invasiveness.
- To explore the potential of rGOs as novel antitumor agents.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of graphene and reduced graphene oxide surface functional groups using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Assessment of antitumor activity via neutral red assay.
- Determination of anti-migratory activity using wound healing assays.
- Quantification of mRNA and protein expression levels of cell adhesion molecules.
Main Results:
- Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes, particularly rGO/ATS and rGO/TUD, demonstrated high toxicity towards U87 cells.
- Treatment with rGO/TUD significantly decreased the migration potential of U87 and Hs5 cells.
- rGO/ATS and rGO/TUD treatments reduced U87 cell mobility and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression.
- rGO/TUD treatment also led to a reduction in β-catenin expression in U87 cells.
Conclusions:
- Reduced graphene oxides effectively reduce the migration and invasiveness of U87 malignant glioma cells.
- Specific rGO formulations, such as rGO/TUD, show promise as potential antitumor agents.
- Further research into rGO-based therapies could lead to new treatments for malignant gliomas.
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