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Research Article

Gold nanoparticles regulate tight junctions and improve cetuximab effect in colon cancer cells

    Fernanda Leve

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: fleve@inmetro.gov.br

    Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory (Labio), Division of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (Dimav), National Institute of Metrology Quality & Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil

    ,
    Daniella P Bonfim

    Tissue Bioengineering Laboratory (Labio), Division of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (Dimav), National Institute of Metrology Quality & Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil

    ,
    Giselle Fontes

    Cellular & Molecular Oncobiology Program, National Institute of Cancer (INCa), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    &
    José A Morgado-Díaz

    Microscopy Applied to Life Sciences Laboratory (Lamav), Division of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (Dimav), National Institute of Metrology Quality & Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2019-0023

    Aim: Colon cancer (CC) is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery has been increasing in cancer clinical trials over recent years. Materials & methods: We evaluated cytotoxicity of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and the role they play on cell–cell adhesion. We also used GNP for delivery of cetuximab into different CC cell lines. Results: CC cells with well-formed tight junctions impair GNP uptake. Noncytotoxic concentration of GNP increases paracellular permeability in Caco-2 cells in a reversible way, concomitantly to tight junctions proteins CLDN1 and ZO-1 redistribution. GNP functionalized with cetuximab increases death of invasive HCT-116 CC cells. Conclusion: GNP can be used for drug delivery and can improve efficiency of CC therapy.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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