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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Preparation and Photoacoustic Analysis of Cellular Vehicles Containing Gold Nanorods
Published on: May 2, 2016
Crocus sativus L.-derived lauric acid-functionalized gold nanoparticles induce ferroptosis in HeLa cells and reverse
Jie Weng1,2, Songlian Liu1,2, Yajun Tong1
1Department of Oncology/Institute of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Yueyang Central Hospital/ Yueyang Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Yueyang, Hunan, China.
Introduction:
Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide. It is closely associated with the dysregulation of numerous genes and signaling pathways. Conventional treatments for cervical cancer often lead to adverse side effects and the development of drug resistance.
Methods:
In this study, network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components and potential targets of Crocus sativus L. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance analyses were used to validate the interaction between lauric acid and a key target. Lauric acid-modified gold nanoparticles (Au@LA) were synthesized and characterized.
Results:
Twenty-three active components and 819 potential targets of Crocus sativus L. were identified, with PTGS2 being the main target. Au@LA selectively inhibited HeLa cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4, and modulated oxidative stress markers. In macrophages, Au@LA shifted M2 polarization to the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and modulated the PGE2/EP2/cAMP-PKA signaling axis.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that Au@LA has dual anti-cervical cancer properties through inducing ferroptosis in HeLa cells and reprogramming macrophage polarization. It shows promise as a candidate for natural product-based nanomedicine in cervical cancer therapy, potentially opening new avenues for more effective and targeted treatments in the future.
