Comparative time-dependent proteomics reveal the tolerance of cancer cells to magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Yanqing Liu ¹, Yuqing Meng ¹, Yongping Zhu ¹

⁰State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.

Regenerative Biomaterials +

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June 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Silicon-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Si-IONPs) show differential toxicity. Normal cells (HEK293T) experienced greater death and nanoparticle uptake than tumor cells (Hela), highlighting the need for cautious nanoparticle research.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Engineering
Nanotechnology
Cell Biology

Background

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) show promise for cancer therapy due to magnetic and biocompatible properties.
Concerns exist regarding IONP toxicity to normal cells and organs, necessitating thorough biosafety evaluations.
Silicon-coated IONPs (Si-IONPs) are investigated for their potential therapeutic applications and safety profiles.

Purpose Of The Study

To compare the effects of Si-IONPs on tumor cells (Hela) and normal cells (HEK293T).
To investigate differences in protein composition, allocation, and physical characteristics between Hela and HEK293T cells following Si-IONP treatment.
To assess the biosafety and cellular responses to Si-IONPs in distinct cell types.

Main Methods

Treatment of Hela and HEK293T cells with Si-IONPs.
Comparative analysis of cell death rates and endocytosis of Si-IONPs.
Evaluation of reactive oxygen species production and cellular pathway disturbances (oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, apoptosis, ferroptosis).

Main Results

HEK293T cells exhibited significantly higher death rates and Si-IONP endocytosis compared to Hela cells.
Si-IONPs promoted reactive oxygen species production and disrupted key cellular pathways in both cell types.
Hela cells demonstrated a greater ability to recover from Si-IONP-induced disturbances than HEK293T cells.

Conclusions

Si-IONPs are more likely to induce death in normal HEK293T cells than in Hela tumor cells.
Hela cells possess unique defense mechanisms against nanoparticle-induced stress.
Further safety data and cautious approaches are essential for nanoparticle research and clinical applications.

Keywords:

biosafety evaluation cell death iron oxide nanoparticles tumor therapy