Electrochemiluminescence sensing of HeLa cells labeled with biotinylated ruthenium complex using bipolar electrode based on microwell modified optical fiber

Biotinylated ruthenium complexes exhibit improved photoluminescent (PL) properties when they bind with streptavidin, making them useful labels or probes in bio-related analysis. However, their ECL properties are still unknown to date. Herein, we reported the use of [Ru(bpy)2(biot-bpy)]2+ complexes as a new ECL luminophore, which was functionalized with biotin moiety and exhibited higher ECL efficiency after binding to streptavidin. Moreover, [Ru(bpy)2(biot-bpy)]2+ complexes could be attached to HeLa cells through the biotin-streptavidin binding. A microwell bipolar electrode (MBE) prepared at one end of an optical fiber bundle was applied to produce ECL of the labeled HeLa cells, which was remotely detected at the other end. The [Ru(bpy)2(biot-bpy)]2+-streptavidin binding effect together with the high surface/volume ratio of MBE promoted the ECL generation on HeLa cells, which was applied to sensitively detect HeLa cells with a linear range from 1.56 × 102 to 6.74 × 106 cells/mL and a detection limit of 83 cells/mL. Moreover, ECL images were successfully acquired to resolve the emission on each HeLa cell. Such cytosensor based on [Ru(bpy)2(biot-bpy)]2+ and MBE may extend the applications of ECL for cell detections.

Invasion of HeLa Cells by Shigella Species Clinical Isolates Recovered from Pediatric Diarrhea

Shigella is considered a major public health concern, especially for children younger than 5 years of age in developing countries. The pathogenicity of Shigella is a complex process that involves the interplay of multiple genes located on a large, unstable virulence plasmid as well as chromosomal pathogenicity islands. Since various factors (including virulence and antibiotic resistance genes) are associated with the severity and duration of shigellosis, in this article, we aim to evaluate whether the invasion of HeLa cells is affected by Shigella spp. isolates with different characteristics (including serogroups, virulence gene profiles, and antibiotic resistance patterns) recovered from pediatric patients in Tehran, Iran. Cell invasion ability of 10 Shigella isolates with different serogroups (Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei), gene profiling (virA, sen, ipgD, ipaD, ipaC, ipaB, and ipaH), and antibiotic resistance phenotyping (ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cefixime, cefotaxime, minocycline, and levofloxacin) were measured by plaque-forming assay in HeLa cell lines. The results show that all the selected Shigella spp. isolates recovered from pediatric patients were able to invade HeLa cells, but the total number and average size of plaques were different between the isolates. The higher invasion ability of S. flexneri isolates in HeLa cells compared to S. sonnei isolates was attributed to the presence of particular virulence genes; however, the role of each of these virulence factors remains to be determined.

Vertically ordered mesoporous silica film-assisted electrochemical cytosensor for the sensitive detection of HeLa cells

Designing fast and simple quantitative methods on cheap and disposable electrodes for the early detection of HeLa cells is highly desirable for clinical diagnostics and public health. In this work, we developed a label-free and sensitive electrochemical cytosensor for HeLa cell detection based on the gated molecular transport across vertically ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSFs) on the disposable indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. As high affinity for a folate receptor existed on the membrane of HeLa cancer cells, folic acid (FA) functionalized VMSF could regulate the transport of electrochemical probe (Fe(CN)6 3-) by the specific recognition and adhesion of HeLa cells toward the VMSF surface. In addition, VMSF, served as a solid skeleton, is able to effectively prevent the direct contact of cells with the underlying electrode, remaining the underlying electrode activity and favoring the diffusion of Fe(CN)6 3-. Once specific adhesion of HeLa cells to the VMSF surface happens, Fe(CN)6 3- redox probe exhibits impeded transport in the silica nanochannels, ultimately resulting in the decreased electrochemical responses and realizing the quantitative determination of HeLa cells with a broad linear range (101-105 cells/mL) and a low limit of detection (4 cells/mL). The proposed electrochemical cytosensor shows a great potential application for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Genetic deviation associated with photodynamic therapy in HeLa cell

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method that is used in cancer treatment. The main therapeutic effect is the production of singlet oxygen (1O2). Phthalocyanines for PDT produce high singlet oxygen with absorbers of about 600-700 nm.

AIM

It is aimed to analyze cancer cell pathways by flow cytometry analysis and cancer-related genes with q-PCR device by applying phthalocyanine L1ZnPC, which we use as photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy, in HELA cell line. In this study, we investigate the molecular basis of L1ZnPC's anti-cancer activity.

MATERIAL METHOD

The cytotoxic effects of L1ZnPC, a phthalocyanine obtained from our previous study, in HELA cells were evaluated and it was determined that it led to a high rate of death as a result. The result of photodynamic therapy was analyzed using q-PCR. From the data received at the conclusion of this investigation, gene expression values were calculated, and expression levels were assessed using the 2-∆∆Ct method to examine the relative changes in these values. Cell death pathways were interpreted with the FLOW cytometer device. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test with Post-hoc Test were used for the statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

In our study, it was observed that HELA cancer cells underwent apoptosis at a rate of 80% with drug application plus photodynamic therapy by flow cytometry method. According to q-PCR results, CT values ​​of eight out of eighty-four genes were found to be significant and their association with cancer was evaluated. L1ZnPC is a new phthalocyanine used in this study and our findings should be supported by further studies. For this reason, different analyses are needed to be performed with this drug in different cancer cell lines. In conclusion, according to our results, this drug looks promising but still needs to be analyzed through new studies. It is necessary to examine in detail which signaling pathways they use and their mechanism of action. For this, additional experiments are required.

A Novel Method in Identifying Pyroptosis and Apoptosis Based on the Double Resonator Piezoelectric Cytometry Technology

In this study, a double resonator piezoelectric cytometry (DRPC) technology based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was first employed to identify HeLa cell pyroptosis and apoptosis by monitoring cells' mechanical properties in a real-time and non-invasive manner. AT and BT cut quartz crystals with the same frequency and surface conditions were used concurrently to quantify the cells-exerted surface stress (ΔS). It is the first time that cells-exerted surface stress (ΔS) and cell viscoelasticity have been monitored simultaneously during pyroptosis and apoptosis. The results showed that HeLa pyroptotic cells exerted a tensile stress on quartz crystal along with an increase in the elastic modulus (G'), viscous modulus (G″), and a decrease of the loss tangent (G″/G'), whereas apoptotic cells exerted increasing compressive stress on quartz crystal along with a decrease in G', G″ and an increase in G″/G'. Furthermore, engineered GSDMD^-/--DEVD- HeLa cells were used to investigate drug-induced disturbance and testify the mechanical responses during the processes of pyroptosis and non-pyroptosis. These findings demonstrated that the DRPC technology can serve as a precise cytomechanical sensor capable of identifying pyroptosis and apoptosis, providing a novel method in cell death detection and paving the road for pyroptosis and apoptosis related drug evaluation and screening.

Dibenzylideneacetone Induces Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cells through Ros-Mediated Mitochondrial Damage

Cervical cancer is a health problem among women worldwide. Considering the limitations of prevention and antineoplastic chemotherapy against cervical cancer, research is needed to discover new, more effective, and safe antitumor agents. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of a new synthetic dibenzylideneacetone derived from 1,5-diaryl-3-oxo-1,4-pentadienyl (A3K2A3) against cervical cancer cells immortalized by HPV 16 (SiHa), and 18 (HeLa) by MTT assay. Furthermore, we performed spectrofluorimetry, flow cytometry, and Western blot analyzes to explore the inhibitory mechanism of A3K2A3 in cervical cancer cells. A3K2A3 showed cytotoxic activity against both cell lines. Mitochondrial depolarization and reduction in intracellular ATP levels were observed, which may be dependent on the redox imbalance between increased ROS and reduced levels of the antioxidant defense. In addition, damage to the cell membrane and DNA, and effective blocking of cell division in the G2/M phase were detected, which possibly led to the induction of apoptosis. This result was further confirmed by the upregulation of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, cytochrome C, and caspases 9 and 3. Our results provided the first evidence that A3K2A3 contributes to the suppression of cervical cancer in vitro, showing promise as a possible alternative for the treatment of this cancer.

High cytotoxicity of a degraded TBBPA, dibromobisphenol A, through apoptotic and necrosis pathways

Halogenated flame retardants comprising bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives, such as tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), have been studied their adverse effects on human health. However, despite the fact that these halogenated BPAs are easily degraded in the environment, the risks to living organisms due to these degraded products have mostly been overlooked. To evaluate the potential toxicity of degraded TBBPAs and related compounds, we examined the cytotoxicity of halogenated bisphenol A derivatives possessing one to four halogen atoms in vitro. The results indicated that the degraded TBBPA derivatives exhibited strong cytotoxicity against HeLa cells than TBBPA. Interestingly, the di-halogenated BPA derivatives possessing two halogen atoms exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity among tested compounds. In addition, a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, fluorescence spectroscopy and flow cytometry results indicated that dibromo-BPA and diiodo-BPA induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell death by damaging the cell membranes of HeLa cells. Moreover, Escherichia coli growth was inhibited in the presence of dehalogenated TBBPA and related compounds. These findings suggest that halogenated BPA derivatives that leak from various flame-retardant-containing products require strict monitoring, as not only TBBPA but also its degraded products in environment can exert adverse effects to human health.

Sustained delivery of gambogic acid from mesoporous rod-structure hydroxyapatite for efficient in vitro cancer therapy

Inspired by the critical role of nanocarrier in biomaterials modification, we synthesized a mesoporous rod-structure hydroxyapatite (MR-HAp) nanoparticles for boosting gambogic acid (GA) bioavailability in cells and improving the tumor therapy. As expected, the GA loading ratio of MR-HAp was up to about 96.97% and GA-loaded MR-HAp (MR-HAp/GA) demonstrates a sustained release performance. Furthermore, a substantial improvement was observed in inhibiting the cell proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of HeLa cells, as the cell viability was decreased to 89.6% and the apoptosis was increased to 49.2% when the cells treated with MR-HAp/GA at a GA concentration of 1 μg/mL for 72 h. The remarkable inhibition effect of cell proliferation and the enhanced inducing apoptosis are attributed to the increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species level and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. This result provides a promising and facile approach for highly efficient tumor treatment.

Detection and imaging of Carbon monoxide releasing Molecule-2 in HeLa cells and zebrafish using a Metal-Free Near-Infrared fluorescent off-on probe

By incorporating 4-nitrobenzene as the recognition unit into a stable hemicyanine skeleton based on IR 780, a designed near-infrared fluorescent off-on probe DNXI shows excellent analytical performance in real-time monitoring of carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) in living HeLa cells and zebrafish without transition metals. The response mechanism of CORM-2 with DNXI may reduce the nitro group to an amino group, followed by 1,6-rearrangement elimination reaction, resulting in the recovery of both color and fluorescence signal. As a result, DNXI shows very low background signal, which is rather desired for achieving sensitive detection of CORM-2. Compared with the existing CORM-2 probes, DNXI shows excellent optical performance in vitro and in vivo, high selectivity and sensitivity to CORM-2, as well as near-infrared fluorescence emission 712 nm, with a low detection limit of 103 nM. More importantly, DNXI is low cytotoxic, cell membrane permeable, and its applicability has been demonstrated for monitoring CORM-2 in living HeLa cells and zebrafish. These superior properties of the probe enable it have great potential to be used in biological systems or in vivo related studies.

Exogenous interleukin-1 beta promotes the proliferation and migration of HeLa cells via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a crucial cytokine that has been implicated in cancer and metastasis development. However, its possible mechanistic role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functions of exogenous IL-1β in cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration.

METHODS

HeLa cell proliferation and migration were measured using MTT and Transwell assays. A lentivirus-mediated packaging system was used to construct an IL-1β overexpressing cell line. MEK/ERK signal transduction was inhibited by pretreatment with the MEK inhibitor PD98059. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to test the expression of relevant genes.

RESULTS

Exogenous IL-1β promoted the proliferation and migration of HeLa cells. In addition, overexpression of IL-1β in HeLa cells promoted cell proliferation. Mechanistically, exogenous IL-1β increased the phosphorylated MEK and ERK levels in HeLa cells and the expression of JUN, RELB, and NF-κB2. Alternatively, blockade of MEK inhibited the promoting proliferation effects of IL-1β and the expression of JUN, RELB, and NF-κB2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that exogenous IL-1β regulates HeLa cell functions by regulating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and by targeting JUN, RELB, and NF-κB2. Our study uncovered a potential association across IL-1β, cervical tumor development, and cancer progression.

Folate Conjugated Polyethylene Glycol Probe for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil

A targeted delivery system is primarily intended to carry a potent anticancer drug to specific tumor sites within the bodily tissues. In the present study, a carrier system has been designed using folic acid (FA), bis-amine polyethylene glycol (PEG), and an anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). FA and PEG were joined via an amide bond, and the resulting FA-PEG-NH₂ was coupled to 5-FU producing folate-polyethylene glycol conjugated 5-fluorouracil (FA-PEG-5-FU). Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, ¹HNMR, FTIR, and HPLC) were used for the characterization of products. Prodrug (FA-PEG-5-FU) was analyzed for drug release profile (in vitro) up to 10 days and compared to a standard anticancer drug (5-FU). Folate conjugate was also analyzed to study its folate receptors (FR) mediated transport and in vitro cytotoxicity assays using HeLa cancer cells/Vero cells, respectively, and antitumor activity in tumor-bearing mice models. Folate conjugate showed steady drug release patterns and improved uptake in the HeLa cancer cells than Vero cells. Folate conjugate treated mice group showed smaller tumor volumes; specifically after the 15th day post-treatment, tumor sizes were decreased significantly compared to the standard drug group (5-FU). Molecular docking findings demonstrated importance of Trp138, Trp140, and Lys136 in the stabilization of flexible loop flanking the active site. The folic acid conjugated probe has shown the potential of targeted drug delivery and sustained release of anticancer drug to tumor lesions with intact antitumor efficacy.

Lipophilic Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Exerts Anti-Cervical Cancer Effects in HeLa Cells and a HeLa-Derived Xenograft Zebrafish Model

Lipophilic grape seed proanthocyanidin (LGSP) synthesized from GSP and lauric acid exhibits an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. However, its anti-cervical cancer activity is still unknown. In this study, the in vitro anti-cervical cancer activity of LGSP on HeLa cell lines was investigated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis, and its effect was explored by a HeLa-derived xenograft zebrafish model. LGSP exhibited an excellent anti-proliferative effect on HeLa cells by increasing the level of reactive oxygen species, which further induced cell apoptosis and blocked cell cycle progression in the G2/M phase. LGSP-treated HeLa cells showed a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, and activation of cleaved caspase-9/3 and cleavage of PARP, thus indicating that LGSP induced apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial/caspase-mediated pathway. In the zebrafish model, LGSP effectively suppressed the growth of a HeLa xenograft tumor. These data suggest that LGSP may be a good candidate for the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer.

The Kunitz chymotrypsin inhibitor from Erythrina velutina seeds displays activity against HeLa cells through arrest in cell cycle

Erythrina velutina is a species of arboreal leguminous that occurs spontaneously in the northeastern states of Brazil. Leguminous seeds represent an abundant source of peptidase inhibitors, which play an important role in controlling peptidases involved in essential biological processes. The aim of this study was to purify and characterize a novel Kunitz-type peptidase inhibitor from Erythrina velutina seeds and evaluate its anti-proliferative effects against cancer cell lines. The Kunitz-type chymotrypsin inhibitor was purified from Erythrina velutina seeds (EvCI) by ammonium sulphate fractionation, trypsin- and chymotrypsin-sepharose affinity chromatographies and Resource Q anion-exchange column. The purified EvCI has a molecular mass of 18 kDa with homology to a Kunitz-type inhibitor. Inhibition assays revealed that EvCI is a competitive inhibitor of chymotrypsin (with K _i of 4 × 10^-8 M), with weak inhibitory activity against human elastase and without inhibition against trypsin, elastase, bromelain or papain. In addition, the inhibitory activity of EvCI was stable over a wide range of pH and temperature. Disulfide bridges are involved in stabilization of the reactive site in EvCI, since the reduction of disulfide bridges with DTT 100 mM abolished ~ 50% of its inhibitory activity. The inhibitor exhibited selective anti-proliferative properties against HeLa cells. The incubation of EvCI with HeLa cells triggered arrest in the cell cycle, suggesting that apoptosis is the mechanism of death induced by the inhibitor. EvCI constitutes an interesting anti-carcinogenic candidate for conventional cervical cancer treatments employed currently. The EvCI cytostatic effect on Hela cells indicates a promised compound to be used as anti-carcinogenic complement for conventional cervical treatments employed currently.

Theranostic Nanoplatform with Sequential SDT and ADV Effects in Response to Well-Programmed LIFU Irradiation for Cervical Cancer

Background

Some patients with cervical cancer have the need to preserve fertility; therefore, a minimally invasive treatment option that can effectively inactivate tumors in these patients is necessary.

Methods

In this paper, we designed and prepared nanoparticles (NPs) carrying IR780 and perfluorohexane (PFH) and characterized their properties. We focused on the promotion of programmed low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) irradiation on the penetration and treatment of cervical cancer. First we used penetration-enhancing LIFU irradiation to promote the penetration of the NPs into 3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) and tumors in tumor-bearing nude mice. Then we used re-therapeutic LIFU irradiation to achieve antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Photoacoustic (PA) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were used to monitor and evaluate the targeting and therapeutic effects of these NPs on tumor tissues.

Results

The NPs prepared in this paper exhibited high affinity for HeLa cells, and can selectively achieve mitochondrial localization in the cell due to IR780 assistance. The penetration-enhancing LIFU irradiation have the ability to promote the penetration of the NPs into cervical cancer models in vivo and in vitro. Under LIFU irradiation, the cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by IR780 during the first half of the re-therapeutic LIFU irradiation and the physical acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) effect after PFH phase transition during the second half of the re-therapeutic LIFU irradiation can achieve synergistic minimally invasive treatment of tumors, which can be visualized and evaluated by PA and MR imaging in vivo.

Conclusion

Well-programmed LIFU irradiation can promote NP penetration into deep tumor tissue and achieve antitumor effects simultaneously. Linking ROS + ADV effects can induce cell coagulation necrosis and lead to a comprehensive, long-term impact on tumor tissue, providing a conceptual theranostic nanoplatform for cervical cancer.

Daidzin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis through the JAK2/STAT3 in human cervical cancer HeLa cells

Daidzin, 4′, 7-dihydroxyisoflavone is an isoflavonic phytoestrogen present in leguminous plants. Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes daidzin to treat various diseases such diarrhea, fever, hepatitis, cardiac problems etc. In current study we examined the anticancer activity of daidzin against human cervical cancer in vitro. HeLa, human cervical cancer cell line was purchased from ATCC and the cells were cultured with DMEM medium. The cytotoxic effect of daidzin against HeLa cell line was analyzed with MTT assay. The IC-50 value was obtained at 20 µM hence the cells were treated with 20 µM of daidzin for further analysis. ROS generation was assessed with DCFH-DA staining and the induction of apoptosis was examined with Rhoadmine-123 staining. Acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining was done to examine the apoptotic and viable cells. Further the matrigel cell adhesion assay was done to analyze the inhibitory property of daidzin against cancer cell adhesion. Apoptotic induction of daidzin was examined by estimating the levels of Caspase 8 & 9 using ELISA technique. Inflammatory and cell proliferation signaling proteins were analyzed with qPCR analysis to confirm the anticancer activity of daidzin against human cervical cancer HeLa cell line. Daidzin significantly generated ROS and altered the mitochondrial membrane permeability in HeLa cell line. The results of AO/EtBr staining prove daidzin induced apoptosis in HeLa cell line and it also inhibited the cell adhesion property of HeLa which is reported in our matrigel cell adhesion assay. It also increased the caspases 8 & 9 which are key regulators of apoptosis. Daidzin significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory gene and cell proliferating signaling molecule. To, conclude our results confirm daidzin effectively decreased inflammation and induced apoptosis in human cervical cancer HeLa cell line.

Facile synthesis of Ti4+-immobilized magnetic covalent organic frameworks for enhanced phosphopeptide enrichment

In this work, core-shell structured Ti⁴⁺-immobilized magnetic covalent organic frameworks (denoted as Fe₃O₄@TAPTDHTA-Ti⁴⁺ composites) were prepared for enhanced phosphopeptide enrichment by one-pot synthesis of COFs shell with inherent bifunctional groups on Fe₃O₄ NPs and further Ti⁴⁺ immobilization. The widely distributed bifunctional groups could provide abundant chelating sites for Ti⁴⁺ immobilizing. Combining with the high specific surface area and mesoporous structure, the Fe₃O₄@TAPTDHTA-Ti⁴⁺ composites exhibited excellent enrichment efficiency for phosphopeptides, such as low detection limit (0.05 fmol μL^-1), high selectivity (1:5000 of molar ratio of β-casein/bovine serum albumin (BSA) tryptic digests), high adsorption capacity (62.9 μg mg^-1) and strong size-exclusive effect (1:250:250 of molar ratio of β-casein tryptic digest/β-casein/BSA). In addition, this method was general for immobilizing other metal ions (Zr⁴⁺ and Fe³⁺). Notably, the Fe₃O₄@TAPTDHTA-Fe³⁺ composites exhibited controllable affinity towards mono-phosphopeptides and multi-phosphopeptides. Furthermore, the Fe₃O₄@TAPTDHTA-Ti⁴⁺ composites were successfully applied to selectively capture phosphopeptides from complex biological samples including the tryptic digest of nonfat milk, human serum and human saliva. More significantly, 3333 phosphopeptides derived from 1409 phosphoproteins with 3492 phosphorylation sites were clearly identified from the tryptic digest of HeLa cell lysate. In addition to providing a potential excellent enrichment probe for comprehensive phosphoproteomic analysis, this study also offers a new perspective for the functionalization of COFs.

Fabrication of porous TiO2 foams by powder metallurgy technique and study of bulk crushing strength for biomedical application

Despite the importance of porous titanium oxide (PA-TiO2) in diverse functional applications, very little information is available on the compatible mechanical properties for potential biomedical applications. In this study, PA-TiO2 foam was synthesized using space-holding powder metallurgy and sintering methods to produce interconnected opened-cell structure with surface morphology of mountain-like features associated with the extensive rift valley system. Three different types of PA-TiO2 foams with porosities of 35-52% and mean pore diameter of 190-210 μm were fabricated for evaluating the effect of porosity on mechanical properties of bulk PA-TiO2. The modulus of elasticity of PA-TiO2 foams exhibited in the range of 45-262 MPa which was within the range of modulus of elasticity of human cancellous bone. Cytotoxicity test is performed in vitro analysis to observe the effect of cell toxicity to produce osteointegration when used as implantable materials. There was no cytotoxicity effect found and remarkable cell growth was observed for human cancerous (HeLa) cell line. However, there was no cytotoxicity effect found and cell growth was not observed for Vero cell line. This study suggested that PA-TiO2 facilitates cell growth without spreading toxicity and has mechanical properties of cancellous bone. Hence, it has potential application as implant and medical devices in biomedical applications.

No Intercellular Regulation of the Cell Cycle among Human Cervical Carcinoma HeLa Cells Expressing Fluorescent Ubiquitination-Based Cell-Cycle Indicators in Modulated Radiation Fields

The non-targeted effects of radiation have been known to induce significant alternations in cell survival. Although the effects might govern the progression of tumor sites following advanced radiotherapy, the impacts on the intercellular control of the cell cycle following radiation exposure with a modified field, remain to be determined. Recently, a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (FUCCI), which can visualize the cell-cycle phases with fluorescence microscopy in real time, was developed for biological cell research. In this study, we investigated the non-targeted effects on the regulation of the cell cycle of human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells with imperfect p53 function that express the FUCCI (HeLa–FUCCI cells). The possible effects on the cell-cycle phases via soluble factors were analyzed following exposure to different field configurations, which were delivered using a 150 kVp X-ray irradiator. In addition, using synchrotron-generated, 5.35 keV monochromatic X-ray microbeams, high-precision 200 μm-slit microbeam irradiation was performed to investigate the possible impacts on the cell-cycle phases via cell–cell contacts. Collectively, we could not detect the intercellular regulation of the cell cycle in HeLa–FUCCI cells, which suggested that the unregulated cell growth was a malignant tumor. Our findings indicated that there was no significant intercellular control system of the cell cycle in malignant tumors during or after radiotherapy, highlighting the differences between normal tissue and tumor characteristics.

Immunomodulatory effects of astragalus polysaccharide on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells co-cultured with cervical cancer cell line

OBJECTIVE

To investigate immunomodulatory effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the co-culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with HeLa cervical cancer cell line.

METHODS

To assess the proliferation of PBMCs, carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled PBMCs were co-cultured with HeLa cells and treated with different concentrations of APS. Supernatants of cell culture were collected for cytokines assay via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The impact of APS on the proliferation of PBMCs, induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) was carried out by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

It was observed that APS could increase the proliferation of PBMCs co-cultured with HeLa cells (P < 0.05). However, APS had no significant effects on the induction of Tregs and MDSCs in the co-culture assay (P > 0.05). Furthermore, ELISA results demonstrated that APS could decrease IL-10 and TGF-β concentration (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The above-mentioned characteristics showed that APS might be able to modulate immune responses and improve anti-tumor effects through increasing the proliferation of PBMCs and decreasing inhibitory cytokines secretion as critical mediators of immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment.

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. petals with antiausterity activities against the HeLa human cervical cancer cell line

Ethanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera petals showed preferential cytotoxic activity against HeLa human cervical cancer cell line with a PC₅₀ value of 10.4 μg/mL. This active extract was subjected to a phytochemical investigation study which led to the isolation of nine benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (1-9). The isolated compounds exhibited potent antiausterity activities. Moreover, under nutrient-deprived conditions, (-)-lirinidine (8) induced remarkable alterations in HeLa cell morphology including cell shrinkage and plasma blebbing leading to total cell death within 10 h. Mechanistically, 8 was found to inhibit Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. It also induced apoptosis by promoting caspase-3 activation and inhibiting Bcl-2 expression. Therefore, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids skeleton can be considered as a promising scaffold for the anticancer drug development against cervical cancer.

Synergistic Effect of Apigenin and Curcumin on Apoptosis, Paraptosis and Autophagy-related Cell Death in HeLa Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

We aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of apigenin and curcumin on the cross-talk between apoptosis and autophagic cell death, as well as on paraptosis in HeLa cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Synergistic effects were measured using the Bliss independence model. qRT-PCR was used to study the expression of genes related to apoptosis, autophagic cell death, and cross-talk. GRP78/BiP immunostaining was used to identify endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

RESULTS

Treatment with a combination of apigenin and curcumin increased the expression levels of genes related to cell death in HeLa cells 1.29- to 27.6-fold. The combination of curcumin and apigenin showed a synergistic anti-tumor effect via cross-talk between processes leading to apoptosis and autophagic cell death, as well as ER stress-associated paraptosis. GRP78 expression was down-regulated, and massive cytoplasmic vacuolization was observed in HeLa cells.

CONCLUSION

The combination of curcumin and apigenin is an effective potential therapeutic for cervical cancers.

Ti4+-immobilized hierarchically porous zirconium-organic frameworks for highly efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides

Ti⁴⁺-immobilized hierarchically porous zirconium-organic frameworks (denoted as THZr-MOFs) was prepared for phosphopeptide enrichment. The THZr-MOFs showed high specific surface area of 185.28 m² g^-1, wide pore-size distribution of 3 ~ 20 nm, good chemical stability and excellent hydrophilicity. Introduction of hierarchical pores in MOFs not only facilitated the accessibility of phosphopeptides to the internal metal affinity sites and reduce their mass transfer resistance, but also increased the exposure sites of metal affinity interaction and binding energies of Zr and Ti elements. Benefited from these advantages, the THZr-MOFs showed high adsorption capacity (79.8 μg mg^-1) towards standard phosphopeptide. A low detection limit (0.05 fmol μL^-1) and high enrichment selectivity (β-casein/BSA with a molar ratio of 1:5000) were also obtained by MALDI-TOF MS. The THZr-MOFs were applied to analyze complex samples including nonfat milk, human serum, and HeLa cell lysate. In total, 1432 phosphopeptides derived from 762 phosphoproteins were identified from human HeLa cell lysate. Schematic representation of the application of Ti⁴⁺-immobilized hierarchically porous zirconium-organic frameworks (denoted as THZr-MOFs) in high-efficiency and selective enrichment of low-abundance phosphopeptides from the tryptic digest of human HeLa cell lysate.

Toxicity and Anti-Proliferative Properties of Anisomeles indica Ethanol Extract on Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells and Zebrafish Embryos

In this study, we showed that crude extract of Anisomeles indica (AI-EtE) expressed its toxicity to HeLa cells with an IC50 dose of 38.8 µg/mL and to zebrafish embryos with malformations, lethality and hatching inhibition at 72-hpf at doses higher than 75 µg/mL. More interestingly, flow cytometry revealed that AI-EtE significantly promoted the number of cells entering apoptotic. Accordingly, the transcript levels of BAX, CASPASE-8, and CASPASE-3 in the cells treated with AI-EtE at IC50 dose were 1.55-, 1.62-, and 2.45-fold higher than those in the control cells, respectively. Moreover, treatment with AI-EtE caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in a p53-independent manner. Particularly, percentages of AI-EtE-treated cells in G1, S, G2/M were, respectively 85%, 6.7% and 6.4%; while percentages of control cells in G1, S, G2/M were 64%, 15% and 19%, respectively. Consistent with cell cycle arrest, the expressions of CDKN1A and CDNK2A in AI-EtE-treated cells were up-regulated 1.9- and 1.64-fold, respectively. Significantly, treatment with AI-EtE also decreased anchorage-independent growth of HeLa cells. In conclusion, we suggest that Anisomeles indica can be considered as a medicinal plant with a possible use against cervical cancer cells; however, the used dose should be carefully monitored, especially when applying to pregnant women.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Aspergillus terreus induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis through modulating apoptotic proteins in human cervical cancer HeLa cells

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to analyze the cytotoxicity of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in human cervical epithelial cancer HeLa.

METHODS

The ZnO NPs was synthesized from the culture filtrated of Aspergillus terreus, and examined by UV-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The cytotoxicity of synthesized ZnO NPs was analyzed by the MTT assay, and the expression of apoptotic proteins was examined by Western blot analyses.

KEY FINDINGS

The ZnO NPs exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on HeLa cells and induced the apoptosis as evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and diminished mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was noticed in ZnO NPs treated HeLa cells. Western blot analyses explored that the Bcl-2 expression was significantly downregulated, whereas, the expression of p53, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cytochrome-c were significantly upregulated in ZnO NPs treated cells.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, the mycosynthesized ZnO NPs induces apoptosis in HeLa cells by persuading oxidative damage and modulating the apoptotic proteins. Therefore, A. terreus synthesized ZnO NPs could be used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cervical cancer treatment.

Selective optosensing of iron(III) ions in HeLa cells using NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles coated with polyepinephrine

Novel polyepinephrine-modified NaYF₄:Yb,Tm upconversion luminescent nanoparticles (UCNP@PEP) were prepared via the self-polymerization of epinephrine on the surfaces of the UCNPs for selective sensing of Fe³⁺ inside a cell and for intracellular imaging. The proposed UCNP@PEP probe is a strong blue light emitter (λ_max = 474 nm) upon exposure to an excitation wavelength of 980 nm. The probe was used for detecting Fe³⁺ owing to the complexation reaction between UCNP@PEP and Fe³⁺, resulting in reduced upconversion luminescence (UCL) intensity. The proposed probe has a detection limit of 0.2 μM and a good linear range of 1-10 μM for sensing Fe³⁺ ions. Moreover, the UCNP@PEP probe displays high cell viability (90%) and is feasible for intracellular imaging. The ability of the probe to sense Fe³⁺ in a human serum sample was tested and shows promising output for diagnostic purposes. The prepared UCNP@PEP probe was characterized by using UV-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectrometry, fluorescence (FL) spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

The Rag GTPase Regulates the Dynamic Behavior of TSC Downstream of Both Amino Acid and Growth Factor Restriction

The dysregulation of the metabolic regulator TOR complex I (TORC1) contributes to a wide array of human pathologies. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a potent inhibitor of TORC1. Here, we demonstrate that the Rag GTPase acts in both the amino-acid-sensing and growth factor signaling pathways to control TORC1 activity through the regulation of TSC dynamics in HeLa cells and Drosophila. We find that TSC lysosomal-cytosolic exchange increases in response to both amino acid and growth factor restriction. Moreover, the rate of exchange mirrors TSC function, with depletions of the Rag GTPase blocking TSC lysosomal mobility and rescuing TORC1 activity. Finally, we show that the GATOR2 complex controls the phosphorylation of TSC2, which is essential for TSC exchange. Our data support the model that the amino acid and growth factor signaling pathways converge on the Rag GTPase to inhibit TORC1 activity through the regulation of TSC dynamics.

The propagation of HSV-1 in high autophagic activity

Autophagy is an intracellular process involving double-membrane vacuoles that ultimately merge with the lysosomes and play a key role in the inhibition of herpessimplex virus 1 (HSV-1) proliferation. This virus is an agent of some lethal neuronal diseases like encephalitis. HSV-1 requires the expression of its latent proteins, such as ICP34.5, to promote cell infection, which disrupts the autophagy process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of autophagy induction on HSV-1 replication in host cells at the early and late stages of its replication. Furthermore, we explored the consequences of autophagy induction before and after cell infection.Cells were transfected through Beclin-1-expressing plasmids. Autophagy induction was performed with microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II) as an autophagosome formation marker by using flow cytometry. In the first stage, HSV-1 was inoculated into transfected cells 18 hours post-transfection. Next, viral DNA was extracted 18 and 48 hours post-infection, and eventually viral copies per milliliter were calculated through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For the second stage, the plasmid containing Beclin-1 was transfected to the cells following virus inoculation to examine the influence of autophagy induction after cell infection.Study results have shown that in neuroblastoma cells autophagy activation reduces virus yield from 4×10 ⁵ copies/ml (control sample) to 9×10 ⁴ copies/ml at 24 h postinfection and viral load after 48 h declines up to 1×10 ⁶ copies/ml, which is less than that of the control sample about 5 logs. However, in HeLa cells, we observed a significant reduction in autophagy induction with reducing HSV-1 propagation. Despite these results, HSV-1 proliferation in both cell types increased and these viruses were able to maintain their ability to propagate even in high autophagic activity. Hyperactivation of autophagy can only slow the rate of virus replication. This study may provide new insight into the effect of autophagy on HSV-1 replication.

Validation of a Cell-Based Assay for Detection of Active Shiga Toxins Produced by Escherichia coli in Water

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes a wide spectrum of diseases, including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Almost 5% of STEC infections result from waterborne exposures, yet there is no test listed in the EPA's current Selected Analytical Methods for the detection of active Shiga toxins (Stxs) in water. In this study, a HeLa cell-based assay is validated for the detection of metabolically active Stxs produced by STEC in water, including tap, bottled, and pond water. Active Stxs are detected even when the number of Stx-producing bacteria is less than 0.4 CFU/mL and the assay performance is not affected by background flora or chlorine in the water. This assay is not only as simple and affordable as cell-free assays but also detects active holotoxins without the use of live animals. In addition, the assay is designed for use in multi-well formats, making it ideal for high-throughput screening of water samples and therefore useful for environmental public health surveillance programs to reduce human risk of infection with STEC.

Identification of Cx45 as a Major Component of GJs in HeLa Cells

Gap junctions (GJs) are intercellular channels that connect adjacent cells electrically and metabolically. The iodide-yellow fluorescent protein (I-YFP) gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) assay is a recently developed method with high sensitivity. HeLa cells have been widely used as GJ-deficient cells for GJ-related research. Herein, we present evidence showing that HeLa cells have functional GJs comprising connexin (Cx) 45 using the I-YFP GJ assay and CRISPR/Cas9 system. We conducted the I-YFP GJIC assay in HeLa cells, which revealed a weak level of GJIC that could not be detected by the Lucifer yellow scrape-loading assay. The mRNA expression of GJB5 (Cx31.1), GJA1 (Cx43), and GJC1 (Cx45) was detected in HeLa cells by RT-PCR analysis. Knocking out GJC1 (Cx45) abolished GJIC, as analyzed by the I-YFP assay and dual whole-cell patch-clamp assay. These results suggest that HeLa cells express Cx45-based GJs and that the I-YFP GJIC assay can be used for cells with weak GJIC, such as Cx45-expressing HeLa cells. Further, GJC1 (Cx45)-knockout HeLa cells are more suitable as a GJ-null cell model for transfection experiments than wild-type HeLa cells. This experimental design was successfully applied to knock out Cx43 expression and GJIC in A549 lung cancer cells and can thus be used to identify major Cxs in other cell types and to establish GJ assay systems for different Cxs.

MicroRNA-150 suppresses p27Kip1 expression and promotes cell proliferation in HeLa human cervical cancer cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exert critical roles in the majority of biological and pathological processes. Recent studies have associated miR-150 with a number of different cancer types. However, little is known about miR-150 targets in cervical cancer. In the present study, the HeLa human cervical cancer cell line was transfected with hsa-miR-150-5p mimics, hsa-miR-150-5p inhibitors or miRNA controls. miR-150 was predicted to bind the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of the CDKN1B gene, which encodes the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27^Kip1). The direct binding between miR-150 and the 3'UTR of CDKN1B was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-150 on CDKN1B mRNA expression, p27^Kip1 protein expression, cell cycle and cell proliferation were determined using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR, western blot analysis, flow cytometry and WST-8 assays, respectively. miR-150 was demonstrated to directly target the 3'UTR of CDKN1B in transfected HeLa cells. The expression of CDKN1B mRNA and p27^Kip1 protein was reduced by miR-150 mimics, and increased by miR-150 inhibitors. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-150 promoted cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 to the S phase and led to a significant increase in HeLa cell proliferation. The results of the present study indicated that miR-150 promotes HeLa cell cycle progression and proliferation via the suppression of p27^Kip1 expression.

An ethanol extract of Senduduk fruit (Melastoma malabathricum L) inhibits the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and tumour necrosis factor alpha in HeLa cells

Aim Senduduk fruit (Melastoma malabathricum L) is native to Indomalaya and is believed to possess anticancer activity. This study investigated antiangiogenic and anti-inflammation effects of an ethanolic extract of Senduduk fruit (EESF) on HeLa cells. Methods Cytotoxicity was assayed in HeLa cell cultures exposed to a concentration series of 500-7.8 µg/mL of EESF. IC₅₀ was determined with a methylthiazol-tetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assay. Antiangiogenic and anti-inflammation activity was evaluated by an immunocytochemical assay of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression in HeLa cells cultured with 1× or 2× IC₅₀ or as a control without EESF. Results IC₅₀ of the EESF was 956 µg/mL. The intensity of VEGF staining indicated moderate expression in HeLa cells in response to IC₅₀, weak expression in response to 2×IC₅₀, and strong expression in the absence of the EESF. While the intensity of TNF-α staining indicated moderate expression in HeLa cells in response to IC₅₀ and to the absence of EESF, and weak expression in response to 2× IC₅₀. Conclusion Senduduk fruit extract inhibited VEGF and TNF-α expression in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner.

Host-Defense Peptides Caerin 1.1 and 1.9 Stimulate TNF-Alpha-Dependent Apoptotic Signals in Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells

Host defense caerin 1.1 and 1.9 peptides, isolated from the glandular secretion of Australian tree frogs, the genus Litoria, have been previously shown to have multiple biological activities, including the inhibition of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 early protein E7 transformed murine as well as human cancerous cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism underlying their anti-proliferative activities against HPV18+ cervical cancer HeLa cells remains unknown. This study comparatively investigated the anti-proliferation on HeLa cells by caerin 1.1, 1.9, and their mixture, followed by confocal microscopy examination to assess the cellular intake of the peptides. Tandem mass tag labeling proteomics was employed to reveal the proteins that were significantly regulated by the peptide treatment in cells and cell growth environment, to elucidate the signaling pathways that were modulated. Western blot was performed to confirm the modulation of the pathways. Both caerin 1.1 and 1.9 highly inhibited HeLa cell proliferation with a significant additive effect compared to untreated and control peptide. They entered the cells with different magnitudes. Intensive protein-protein interaction was detected among significantly upregulated proteins. Translation, folding and localization of proteins and RNA processing, apoptosis process was significantly enriched post the treatments. The apoptotic signaling was suggested as a result of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pathway activation, indicated by the dose-dependent elevated levels of caspase 3 and caspase 9. The epidermal growth factor receptor and androgen receptor pathways appeared inhibited by the peptides. Moreover, the activation of T-cell receptor derived from the quantitation results further implies the likelihood of recruiting more T cells to the cell growth environment post the treatment and more sensitive to T cell mediated killing of HeLa cells. Our results indicate that caerin 1.1 and 1.9 mediate apoptotic signals of HeLa cells and may subsequently enhances adaptive T cell immune responses.

Filamin B extensively regulates transcription and alternative splicing, and is associated with apoptosis in HeLa cells

Post-transcriptional mechanisms are an important approach in the treatment of cancer, and may also be hijacked by tumor cells to help adapt to the local microenvironment. Filamin B (FLNB), an actin-binding protein that provides crucial scaffolds for cell motility and signaling, has also been identified as an RNA-binding protein. Recent studies demonstrated that FLNB might play an important role, not only in skeletal development, but also in regulating tumorigenesis; however, the effects of dysregulated expression of FLNB at the molecular level are not clear. In the present study, RNA-sequencing was performed to analyze changes in overall transcriptional and alternative splicing between the knocked-down FLNB and the control in HeLa cells. Decreased FLNB levels resulted in significantly lower apoptosis compared with control cells. FLNB knockdown extensively regulated the expression of genes in cell apoptosis, tumorigenesis, metastases, transmembrane transport and cartilage development. Moreover, FLNB regulated alternative splicing of a large number of genes involved in ‘cell death’ and the ‘apoptotic process’. Some genes and alternative splicing related to skeletal development were enriched and regulated by FLNB. Reverse transcription-quantitative-PCR identified FLNB-regulated transcription and alternative splicing of genes, such as NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein, interleukin 23 subunit α, metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1, phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2, bone morphogenetic protein 7, matrix metallopeptidase 13, collagen type II α 1 chain, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and vitamin D receptor. The present study is the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to provide transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression and alternative splicing upon FLNB silencing. The present results suggested that FLNB may play an important regulatory role in cervical cancer cell apoptosis via regulation of transcription and alternative splicing, which provide insight for the current understanding of the mechanisms of FLNB-mediated gene regulation.

A novel pyrazole bearing imidazole frame as ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+/Fe3+ ions and its application in HeLa cell imaging

New pyrazole bearing imidazole derivative was successfully synthesized and thoroughly characterized by various spectroanalytical techniques. The sensor DIBI shows a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent response with the addition of Al³⁺/Fe³⁺ ions in acetonitrile-water mixture. The strong fluorescent molecule exhibits a notable ratiometric emissions at 462 nm and 470 nm for Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, respectively (λ_ex = 280 nm). Job's plot studies conclude that the coordination between DIBI with Al³⁺/Fe³⁺ was 1:1 binding stoichiometry. The limit of detection of DIBI with Al³⁺/Fe³⁺ was calculated as 2.12 × 10^-7 M and 1.73 × 10^-6 M, respectively. The TD-DFT calculations further supported the photonics performances of the free probe and its complexes. The reversibility and reusability of the sensor molecule are studied using EDTA. The probe was used to track Al³⁺/Fe³⁺ in cancer cells via fluorescence microscopy.

Hyperelodiones A-C, monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphoroglucinols from Hypericum elodeoides, induce cancer cells apoptosis by targeting RXRα

Hyperelodiones A-C, three undescribed monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols possessing 6/6/6 fused tricyclic core, were isolated from Hypericum elodeoides Choisy. Their gross structures were elucidated by HRESIMS and NMR data. The absolute configurations of hyperelodiones A-C were assigned by their calculated and compared electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra combined with their common biosynthetic origin. A fluorescence quenching assay suggested that hyperelodiones A-C could bind to RXRα-LBD, whereas hyperelodione C showed the strongest interaction with a K_D of 12.81 μΜ. In addition, hyperelodiones A-C dose-dependently inhibited RXRα transactivation and the growth of HeLa and MCF-7 cells. Among them, hyperelodione C showed the most potent inhibitory activities and dose-dependent PARP cleavage. Molecular docking results suggested that hyperelodione C showed a different interaction mode compared with hyperelodione A and hyperelodione B. Thus, hyperelodione C can be considered as a promising lead compound for cancer therapy, which can bind to RXRα-LBD and induce HeLa and MCF-7 cell apoptosis.

Knockdown of mitofilin inhibits autophagy and facilitates starvation-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells

Objectives

Mitofilin contributes to the maintenance of mitochondrial structure and functions. This study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms underlying its regulation of apoptosis.

Materials and Methods

Mitofilin was knockdowned by specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and the stable HeLa cell clone was selected. The autophagy activity were assessed with LC3-II conversion and puncta formation by western blot and fluorescence imaging in starved and normal cultured HeLa cells. Autophagy flux was measured in the presence of NH₄Cl. Wortmannin was used to inhibit autophagy. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) assay, respectively.

Results

Mitofilin expression was down-regulated in starved HeLa cells. In established mitofilin stable knockdown cell lines, LC3-II conversion and puncta formation were detected, which are both hallmarks of autophagy, under both basal and starvation conditions. Mitofilin down-regulation decreased LC3-II conversion and puncta formation, which indicates that loss of mitofilin function inhibits both basal and starvation-induced autophagy activity. CCK-8 and FACS analysis confirmed mitofilin involvement in the regulation of cell survival since mitofilin down-regulation facilitated starvation-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, mitofilin is a potent regulator of autophagy and it may modulate cell survival through regulation of autophagy.

Semen affects the biological behavior of HeLa cells by altering ERK signaling

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of human semen on the proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of HeLa cervical cancer cells by analyzing the extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HeLa cells were stimulated with different concentrations of human semen. MTT assay was used to analyze the effects on cell proliferation. Apoptosis in the different experimental groups was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The effect of seminal plasma on in vitro invasiveness of cells was evaluated using transwell assay. Western blotting was used to evaluate ERK pathway activation.

RESULTS

Human semen promoted HeLa cell proliferation; ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c-myc expression also increased with increasing semen concentration. U0126 inhibited semen-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, c-myc upregulation and cell proliferation. Compared with the control group, semen did not significantly affect the apoptotic rate of HeLa cells (p > 0.05). The transwell assays showed that compared with the control group, the number of invading cells increased significantly with increasing semen concentration, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05) when 1 : 50 semen was added, suggesting that semen promotes the invasion of cervical cancer cells. Western blotting indicated that ERK1/2 phosphorylation began to increase when 1 : 100 semen was added; with increasing semen concentration, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was significantly up-regulated, and the expression of its downstream target gene, c-myc, was also up-regulated (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Semen promoted the proliferation of HeLa cells by activating the ERK pathway and showed increased tumorigenic potential in vivo. Human seminal plasma might be a potential factor contributing to the development of cervical cancer.

Assessment of the antiproliferative and apoptotic roles of sulfonamide carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors in HeLa cancer cell line

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) has recently been validated as an antitumor/antimetastatic drug target. In this study, we examined the underlying molecular mechanisms and the anticancer activity of sulfonamide CA IX inhibitors against cervical cancer cell lines. The effects of several sulfonamides on HeLa, MDA-MB-231, HT-29 cancer cell lines, and normal cell lines (HEK-293, PNT-1A) viability were determined. The compounds showed high cytotoxic and apoptotic activities, mainly against HeLa cells overexpressing CA IX. We were also examined for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; intra-/extracellular pH changes, for inhibition of cell proliferation, cellular mitochondrial membrane potential change and for the detection of caspase 3, 8, 9, and CA IX protein levels. Of the investigated sulfonamides, one compound was found to possess high cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in HeLa cells. The cytotoxic effect occurred via apoptosis, being accompanied by a return of pHe/pHi towards normal values as for other CA IX inhibitors investigated earlier.

Anticancer activities of toxic isolate of Xestospongia testudinaria sponge

AIMS

The purposes of this study were to determine the anticancer activity of Xestospongia testudinaria sponge isolate and identify the responsible compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The metabolites were extracted using methanol maceration at room temperature. The separation and purification of metabolites were performed using fractionation and column chromatography. The toxicity was examined using the brine shrimp lethality assay, and the toxic isolates were tested for anticancer activity against HeLa cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the compounds in the isolate.

RESULTS

When the methanol extract was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol, the chloroform fraction was the most toxic, with a concentration that results in 50% lethality (LC50) value of 39.81 ppm. After separation of the chloroform extract, fraction B (FB) was the most toxic, with an LC50 value of 44.67 ppm. The isolate from FB showed anticancer activity with a concentration at which 50% of growth was inhibited (IC50) of 2.273 ppm. In total, 21 compounds were identified in anticancer isolates: Nonanedioic acid; tetradecanoic acid; trans-phytol; 2-pentadecanone-6,10,14-trimethyl; pentadecanoic acid; 2-hexadecen-1-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-; pentadecanoic acid; 2-hexadecen-1-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-; 2,3,7-trimethyloctanal; palmitic acid; docosanoic acid, ethyl ester; 1,E-11,Z-13-octadecatriene; chloromethyl 4-chlorododecanoate; 1-tricosene; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid; 4,8,12,16-tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide; 1-docosene; heneicosane; phosphonic acid, dioctadecyl ester; dodecane,4,6-dimethyl-; n-tetratriacontane; 1-iodohexadecane; and n-heneicosane.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the isolate of X. testudinaria can be used as a natural anticancer toward HeLa cell.

Complete genome and plasmid sequence of a novel Bacillus sp. BD59S, a parasporal protein synthesizing bacterium

Parasporal crystalline inclusion proteins of some Bacillus spp. are of paramount importance due to their insecticidal, nematocidal, and cancer cell killing capabilities. Here, we present a brief report of the complete genome sequence of Bacillus sp. BD59S, a bacterium that produced HeLa cell-killing parasporal crystalline inclusion proteins. From genome sequencing and assembly, we found that the bacterium has one circular chromosome and two large plasmids, pBTBD59S1 and pBTBD59S2. The size of the chromosome is 5283,933 bp with a 35.4% GC content, consisting of 5938 genes and 5550 protein-coding sequences (CDSs), 25 complete rRNAs (5S, 16S, 23S), 98 tRNAs, 5 ncRNAs, 260 pseudo-genes, and 356 subsystems. Complete plasmid sequence of pBTBD59S1 comprises a total size of 162,149 bp with 33.4% GC content, 192 CDSs, and 13 subsystems. The other plasmid pBTBD59S2, is 199,209 bp long with 32.9% GC content, 179 CDSs, and 11 subsystems. Analyses by NCBI microbial genome BLAST, phylogenetic genome tree, and BLAST ring image generator (BRIG) revealed that BD59S belongs to Bacillus cereus group, and is more close to B. thuringiensis. Further, the strain possesses 57.04 kDa and 54.42 kDa Cry protein-coding genes, which show significant similarities with cancer cell-killing parasporin proteins of B. thuringiensis strains.

Effects of genistein on anti-tumor activity of cisplatin in human cervical cancer cell lines

Objective

To investigate the effect of genistein on the anticancer effects of chemotherapeutic agents, we examined the effect of a genistein and cisplatin combination on CaSki human cervical cancer cells.

Methods

After the cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells, CaSki cells) had been cultured, cisplatin and genistein were added to the culture medium, and the cell activity was measured using MTT assay. The CaSki cells were cultured in a medium containing cisplatin and genistein, and then, the cells were collected in order to measure p53, Bcl2, ERK, and caspase 3 levels by western blotting.

Results

Both the HeLa and CaSki cells had decreased cell viabilities when the cisplatin concentration was 10 μM or higher. When combined with genistein, the cell viabilities of the HeLa and CaSki cells decreased at cisplatin concentrations of 8 μM and 6 μM, respectively. The administration of genistein increased the toxicity of cisplatin in the HeLa and CaSki cells. In the CaSki cells, the p-ERK1/2 level decreased by 37%, the p53 expression level increased by 304%, and the cleaved caspase 3 level increased by 115% in the cisplatin+genistein group compared to that in the cisplatin group. Bcl2 expression was reduced by 69% in the cisplatin+genistein group compared to that in the cisplatin group.

Conclusion

Genistein enhances the anticancer effect of cisplatin in CaSki cells, and can be used as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant to increase the activity of a chemotherapeutic agent.

[Astragalus polysaccharide may increase sensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells to cisplatin by regulating cell autophagy]

This study aimed to investigate the possible sensitivity of Astragalus polysaccharides, in order to improve the chemosensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells to cisplatin by regulating the cell autophagy, and explore its possible mechanism. In this study, HeLa cells were divided into control group, cisplatin group, Astragalus polysaccharide group, and Astragalus polysaccharide combined with cisplatin group. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of cervical cancer HeLa cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis and cycle of HeLa cells in each experimental group. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of autophagy-related proteins beclin1, LC3Ⅱ and p62. The expression levels of autophagy-related proteins beclin1, LC3Ⅱ, LC3Ⅰ and p62 were detected by WB method. MTT results showed that compared with the control group, the proliferation of HeLa cells was significantly inhibited in each administration group(P<0.05), and the inhibitory effect of the combination group was more significant(P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of HeLa cells was significantly increased(P<0.05), and the apoptotic rate of the combination group was significantly increased(P<0.01) compared with the control group(P<0.05).In conclusion, G₀/G₁ phase showed the most significant differences between the two groups. RT-PCR and WB results showed that the gene and protein expressions of beclin1 and LC3Ⅱ were up-regulated, while the gene and protein expressions of p62 were down-regulated compared with the control group. The above-mentioned changes in the combination group were more significant. Through the analysis of the above experimental results, it is speculated that Astragalus polysaccharides may increase the sensitivity of cervical cancer HeLa cells to cisplatin by regulating the cell autophagy. Its possible mechanism of action is correlated with the up-regulation of autophagy-related proteins beclin1, the promote the conversion from LC3Ⅰ to LC3Ⅱ, the down-regulation of labeled protein p62, and the enhancement of HeLa cell autophagic activity, thereby increasing the sensitivity of HeLa cells to cisplatin chemotherapy.

Adhesive cell patterning technique using ultrasound vibrations

This paper investigated an ultrasound vibration cell patterning technique. The ultrasound cell culture dish consisted of a culture dish with a glass bottom and a glass disc with a piezoelectric ring that generated a resonance flexural vibration mode on the bottom of the dish. The growth of HeLa cells on the dish was observed under ultrasound excitation for 24 h. Large ultrasound vibrations on the dish inhibited the cell growth. The acoustic field was predicted with finite element analysis and it was found that the cell growth depended strongly on both the acoustic field in the culture medium and the vibration distribution of the dish. The ultrasound vibrations did not affect the viability of the cells, and the cell growth could be controlled by the flexural vibration of the cultured dish.

In vitro investigation of the effects of boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin on DNA damage

BACKROUND

Stem cells provide an opportunity to analyse the effects of xenobiotic on cell viability, differentiation and cell functions. Evaluation of the possible cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects on bone marrow CD34+ stem cells is important for their ability to differentiate into blood cells, and also for bone marrow diseases therapy. Boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin are potential nanoformulation agents that can be used together in the treatment of cancer or bone marrow diseases. Therefore, it is important to evaluate their possible effects on different cell lines.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects of boron nitride nanotubes which are commonly used in pyroelectric, piezoelectric and optical applications, but there is not enough information about its biocompatibility. Also, it was intended to research the effects of curcumin being used frequently in treatment processes for antioxidant properties.

METHODS

The possible cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects of boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin on CD34+ cells, HeLa and V79 cells were evaluated by MTT assay and Comet assay, respectively.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Boron nitride nanotubes and curcumin had cytotoxic effects and cause DNA damage on CD34+ cells, HeLa and V79 cells at several concentrations, probably because of increased ROS level. However, there were not concentration - dependent effect and there were controversial toxicity results of the studied cell lines. Its mechanism needs to be enlightened by further analysis for potential targeted drug development. Graphical abstract.

Metformin Modulates Cyclin D1 and P53 Expression to Inhibit Cell Proliferation and to Induce Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Background:

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological cancers worldwide and contributes in high mortality of Indonesian women. The efficacy of chemotherapy as a standart therapy for cervical cancer decreases because it frequenly rises adverse effects. Recent studies have found that metformin has a potential anticancer effect mostly through reduction of cyclin expression and activation of Activated Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase (AMPK). This study aimed to investigate the effect of metfomin on expression of cyclin D1 and p53 and apoptosis in HeLa cancer cell line.

Methods:

HeLa cells were treated with various doses of metformin and doxorubicin as a positive control. Cytotoxic effect of metformin was determined using the MTT assay. Immunocytochemistry was used to assess cyclin D1 and p53 expression and apoptosis levels of treated HeLa cells were analyzed using flowcytometry. Data of cyclin D1 expression was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Tamhane test, whilst ANOVA and Tukey post Hoc tests were used to analyze data of p53 and apoptosis level. The significant value was p< 0.05.

Results:

Metformin was able to inhibit proliferation of HeLa cells with IC50 60 mM. HeLa cells treated with 60 and 120 mM metformin had lower cyclin D1 expression than HeLa cells treated without metformin and reached a significant difference (p= 0.001). Moreover, 30 mM or higher doses of metformin increase significantly p53 expression (p< 0.001). Induction of apoptosis was observed in HeLa cells treated with all doses of metformin and reached statistically difference (p= 0.04 and p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Metformin can modulate cyclin D1 and p53 expression in HeLa cancer cell line, leading to inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Other cyclin family members, CDK inhibitors and AMPK signaling should be further investigated in order to know mechanism of metformin action.

Optical second harmonic generation microscopy: application to the sensitive detection of cell membrane damage

Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) is a nonlinear optical process which is sensitive to the symmetry of media. SHG microscopy allows for selective probing of a non-centrosymmetric area of sample. This type of nonlinear optical microscope was first used to observe ferroelectric domains and has been applied to various specimens including the biological samples to date. Imaging of the endogenous SHG of biological tissue has been utilized for the selective observation of filament systems in tissues such as collagen, myosin, and microtubules, which exhibit a polar structure. The cellular membrane can be selectively observed by the SHG microscope through membrane staining with amphiphilic polar dye molecules. It has been reported that, by imaging exogenous SHG of the membrane, sensitive detection of membrane damage could be realized using the SHG microscope. Because the staining dye is fluorescent, both SHG and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPF) images can be obtained simultaneously. How the SHG intensity depends on the molecular alignment of the polar dye molecules that reflects the ordering of lipid molecules in the plasma membrane and the necessity of the normalization of the SHG intensity by the TPF intensity is discussed. Furthermore, the assessment of the membrane damage induced by exposing polycation to HeLa cells has been compared with the conventional cytotoxicity and cell viability tests to demonstrate the higher sensitivity of the present SHG-based assay.

Melatonin enhances TNF-α-mediated cervical cancer HeLa cells death via suppressing CaMKII/Parkin/mitophagy axis

Background

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) immunotherapy controls the progression of human cervical cancer. Here, we explored the detailed molecular mechanisms played by melatonin in human cervical cancer (HeLa cells) death in the presence of TNF-α injury, with a particular attention to the mitochondrial homeostasis.

Methods

HeLa cells were incubated with TNFα and then cell death was determined via MTT assay, TUNEL staining, caspase ELISA assay and western blotting. Mitochondrial function was detected via analyzing mitochondrial membrane potential using JC-1 staining, mitochondrial oxidative stress using flow cytometry and mitochondrial apoptosis using western blotting.

Results

Our data exhibited that treatment with HeLa cells using melatonin in the presence of TNF-α further triggered cancer cell cellular death. Molecular investigation demonstrated that melatonin enhanced the caspase-9 mitochondrion death, repressed mitochondrial potential, increased ROS production, augmented mPTP opening rate and elevated cyt-c expression in the nucleus. Moreover, melatonin application further suppressed mitochondrial ATP generation via reducing the expression of mitochondrial respiratory complex. Mechanistically, melatonin augmented the response of HeLa cells to TNF-α-mediated cancer death via repressing mitophagy. TNF-α treatment activated mitophagy via elevating Parkin expression and excessive mitophagy blocked mitochondrial apoptosis, ultimately alleviating the lethal action of TNF-α on HeLa cell. However, melatonin supplementation could prevent TNF-α-mediated mitophagy activation via inhibiting Parkin in a CaMKII-dependent manner. Interestingly, reactivation of CaMKII abolished the melatonin-mediated mitophagy arrest and HeLa cell death.

Conclusions

Overall, our data highlight that melatonin enhances TNF-α-induced human cervical cancer HeLa cells mitochondrial apoptosis via inactivating the CaMKII/Parkin/mitophagy axis.

A amperometric immunosensor for sensitive detection of circulating tumor cells using a tyramide signal amplification-based signal enhancement system

Herein, tyramide signal amplification (TSA)-based electrochemical immunosensor was exploited for highly sensitive detection of CTCs. In this immunosensor, the nucleolin-targeting aptamer AS1411 (CP) was used to specifically capture tumor cells, and a TSA-based signal enhancement system consisting of Pt NPs@HRP@CP composite as catalytic probe and tyramine functionalized infinite coordination polymer (ICPs@Tyr) as electroactive signal tag was applied to improve the detection sensitivity. Using HeLa cell as the model CTCs, after a sandwich reaction, CP-HeLa-Pt NPs@HRP@CP bioconjugates were formed on the electrode. Millions of ICPs@Tyr could be layer-by-layer deposited onto the target cell membrane by the catalysis of Pt NPs@HRP@CP. The developed immunorsensor could detect HeLa cell with a wide dynamic range from 2 to 2 × 10⁴ cells/mL and a detection limit of 2 cells/mL. Most importantly, the amperometric immunosensor was successfully applied to discriminate tumor cells from white blood cells, exhibiting high specificity and sensitivity. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the TSA-based signal enhancement system might be a potential alternative tool for the electrochemical measurement of trace amounts of CTCs in clinical diagnosis.

The use of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites produced in HeLa cells adhered to Cytodex 1 microcarriers as antigen in serological assays: an application of microcarrier technology

Toxoplasma gondii can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In the laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, serological tests have importance in detecting antibody response. Traditionally T. gondii tachyzoites grown in vivo are being used as an antigen source in serological assays. Currently, tachyzoites produced in vitro are being tested as an antigen source in order to decrease animal use. Microcarrier technology allowed us to grow anchorage-dependent host cells on microcarrier suspension in short time and approximately 10 times more than traditional flask technique. The ability of T. gondii tachyzoites to grow in host cells adhered to microcarriers has not been analyzed yet. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel in vitro culture method to produce T. gondii tachyzoites abundantly using HeLa cells adhered to Cytodex 1 microcarriers. Initially, the growth of HeLa cells adhered to Cytodex 1 was analyzed using RPMI 1640, DMEM, and EMEM. Next, HeLa cells with a concentration of 1 × 10⁵ cells/ml and 2 × 10⁵cells/ml were adhered to Cytodex 1 and grown in spinner flasks. Then, T. gondii tachyzoites were inoculated with 1:1 and 2:1 cell:tachyzoite ratios to HeLa cells adhered to microcarriers in spinner flaks. During continuous production in spinner flasks, tachyzoites were harvested at the 2nd, 4th, and 7th day of culture and the quality of antigens produced from these tachyzoites were tested in ELISA and Western Blotting using sera of patients with toxoplasmosis. The optimization studies showed that finest HeLa inoculation value was 2 × 10⁵cells/ml using RPMI 1640, and the cell:tachyzoite ratio to obtain the highest tachyzoite yield (17.1 × 10⁷) was 1:1 at the 4th day of inoculation. According to the results of ELISA comparing HeLa cell and mouse derived antigens, the highest correlation with mouse antigen was achieved at the 4th day of HeLa cell culture with 1:1 HeLa:tachyzoite ratio (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity ratios of ELISA were 100%. In addition, Western blotting banding patterns of the antigen derived at the 4th day of HeLa cell culture with 1:1 HeLa:tachyzoite ratio was comparable with mouse derived antigen. Overall, this novel methodology can be an alternative source of antigen in diagnostic assays, decrease animal use for antigen production, and contribute to the solution of ethical and economic problems.

Designing an Engineered Construct Gene Sensitive to Carbohydrate In-vitro and Candidate for Human Insulin Gene Therapy In-vivo

Diabetes is a common disorder worldwide, and exhaustive efforts have been made to cure this disease. Gene therapy has been considered as a potential curative method that has had more stability in comparison with other pharmaceutical methods. However, the application of gene therapy as a definitive treatment demands further investigation. This study is aimed to prepare a suitable high- performance vector for gene therapy in diabetes mellitus. The designed vector has had prominent characteristics, such as directed replacement, which makes it a suitable method for treating or preventing other genetic disorders. The whole rDNA sequence of the human genome was scanned. The 800 bp two homology arms were digested by EcoRI, synthesized and cloned into the pGEM-B1 plasmid (prokaryotic moiety). The carbohydrate sensitive promoter, L-pyruvate kinase, and insulin gene were sub-cloned between homologous arms (eukaryotic moiety). The PGEM-B1 plasmid was digested by EcoRI, and the eukaryotic fragments were purified and transfected into Hela cell and then cultured. Afterward, the 300 µg/mL of glucose were added to the culture medium. Insulin expression in the transfected cells with 200 and 400 ng of the construct in comparison with negative control was detected using western blot and ELISA methods. Results have shown insulin expression in different glucose concentrates.