We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Platelet Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles Kill Circulating Tumor Cells and Prevent Metastasis in Breast Cancer Model

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 25 Nov 2015
Print article
Silica nanoparticles functionalized with activated platelet membranes along with surface conjugation of the tumor-specific apoptosis-inducing ligand cytokine TRAIL were shown to facilitate the destruction of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and prevent the spread of the disease in a mouse breast cancer metastasis model.

Investigators at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA) had shown in previous studies that (CTCs) became part of a "microenvironment" when they became physically associated with activated platelets and fibrin while being transported in the bloodstream.

To attack the tumor cells within this microenvironment, the investigators prepared synthetic silica nanoparticles coated with proteins from activated platelet membranes. Molecules of the cytokine TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand) were attached to the surface of the particles.

TRAIL is a cytokine that is produced and secreted by most normal tissue cells. It causes apoptosis primarily in tumor cells by binding to certain death receptors. Since the mid-1990s it has been used as the basis for several anti-cancer drugs, but had not been found to have any significant survival benefit.

The investigators reported in the October 21, 2015, online edition of the journal Biomaterials that their synthetic nanoparticles attached to "natural killer cells" in the blood which then became incorporated into CTC-associated micro-thrombi in blood vessels within the lungs. The ramped-up killer cells acted to dramatically decrease lung metastases in a mouse breast cancer metastasis model.

"In our research, we use nanoparticles— the liposomes we have created with TRAIL protein—and attach them to natural killer cells, to create what we call "super natural killer cells" and then these completely eliminate lymph node metastases in mice," said senior author Dr. Michael R. King, professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell University. "So, now we have technology to eliminate bloodstream metastasis—our previous work—and also lymph node metastases."

Related Links:

Cornell University



Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Systemic Autoimmune Testing Assay
BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen with MDSS

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.