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Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer: G2/M arrest and apoptosis
Basant A Ali1, Rasha Mosa Allam2, Mohamed S Hasanin3
1Microbial Chemistry Department, Biotechology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
Abstract:
The drawbacks and adverse reactions of conventional breast cancer (BC) medications have prompted researchers to seek novel therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to study the impact of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles by yeast on breast cancer (MCF-7) cells and to find potential underlying mechanisms. Therefore, marine yeast isolates were screened for their ability to biosynthesis selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The most potent isolate was identified as Candida pseudojiufengensis based on 18 S rRNA gene sequencing. Incubation of cell-free extract with 0.8 mM of SeO2 for 48 h at 40°C in pH of 7.0 were optimal conditions for the biosynthesis of SeNPs. The biosynthesized SeNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements including average particle size distribution and average zeta potential. The results showed that the biosynthesized SeNPs displayed a maximum absorbance peak in the UV-Vis spectrum at 560 nm due to surface plasmon resonance. TEM image elevated spherical shape particles with an average size of 12 nm. SRB assay, flow cytometry, and other biochemical methods were employed to assess SeNPs anti-proliferative effects on MCF-7 cells. SeNPs showed superior anticancer efficacy against MCF-7 cells compared to colon (HCT-116) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells, as evidenced by lower IC50 values (19.59 µg/ml) against 36.36 µg/ml and 27.81 ±1.4 µg/ml, respectively. However, SeNPs demonstrated no cytotoxic effects against HSF cells. Moreover, treatment with SeNPs induces G2/M arrest along with triggering apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells treated with SeNPs showed increased oxidative stress, as indicated by observable rises in LPO and 8-OHDG, accompanied by considerable exhaustion in antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings demonstrated that Se nanoparticles synthesized from yeast have therapeutic promise in BC treatment.
Insights
Biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from yeast show promise for breast cancer treatment. These SeNPs effectively reduced MCF-7 cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Conventional breast cancer treatments have limitations.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed.
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) offer potential anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using marine yeast.
- To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of these SeNPs on breast cancer (MCF-7) cells.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of SeNP-induced cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Screening of marine yeast for SeNP biosynthesis.
- Characterization of SeNPs using UV-Vis, XRD, TEM, and DLS.
- Assessment of anti-proliferative activity via SRB assay and flow cytometry.
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity against various cancer and healthy cell lines.
Main Results:
- Candida pseudojiufengensis was identified as the optimal yeast isolate for SeNP biosynthesis.
- Biosynthesized SeNPs were spherical with an average size of 12 nm.
- SeNPs exhibited significant anti-cancer efficacy against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 19.59 µg/ml) with no observed toxicity to HSF cells.
- SeNP treatment induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.
- Increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity were observed in SeNP-treated MCF-7 cells.
Conclusions:
- Yeast-derived selenium nanoparticles possess significant therapeutic potential for breast cancer.
- SeNPs demonstrate targeted cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- Further research into SeNPs as a novel breast cancer therapy is warranted.
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