Molecular mechanisms triggered by solid lipid nanoparticles in prostate cells PNT2 and PC-3: evaluation of the TGF-Beta pathway

• Grant number: 17/10249-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Enzymology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
• Grantee: Fernanda Garcia Fóssa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/03002-7 - Internalization and intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles: biological activity and nanotoxicological profile, AP.JP

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles comprises promising applications in medicine. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are noteworthy because they are produced with biodegradable and biocompatible components. Several studies have shown that cells internalize these nanoparticles, SLN are processed and much has been studied about their therapeutic effects, but little is known about their effects on intracellular signaling pathways. The study of endocytosis associated with signaling is indispensable to understand the impacts of these nanoparticles on eukaryotic cells. Previous results from our laboratory showed a correlation between SLN internalization and phosphorylated Smad2/3 translocation to the nucleus of prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Phosphorylated Smad2/3 is related to the activation of the TGF-² signaling pathway. This pathway is related to advanced stages of cancer, increasing cell migration and invasion when deregulated. The present proposal aims to evaluate the effects of SLN transfection on the TGF-² signaling pathway, assessing the consequences for the cellular metabolism of normal prostate cells PNT2 and prostate cancer cells PC-3 in the possible activation of the TGF-². (AU)