Work

Exploring the Cytotoxic and Redox-Modulatory Effects of Nanoceria in MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells Using Integrated Molecular and Proteomic Analyses

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) have attracted growing attention as promising anticancer agents due to their unique redox properties. Their selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells is thought to be mediated primarily through disruption of redox homeostasis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their action in breast cancer remain unclear. To address this gap, the present study investigates the dose-dependent cytotoxic, oxidative, and mitochondrial effects of nanoceria in MCF7 breast cancer cells, with mechanistic insights gained through gene expression and proteomic analyses. METHODS: MCF7 breast cancer cells were treated with nanoceria (200 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity, ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed via MTT, DCFDA staining, and MitoTracker, respectively. Gene expression and label-free LC-MS/MS proteomics were used to evaluate molecular and pathway-level changes. RESULTS: < 0.05) related to redox balance, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Nanoceria induces dose-dependent oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in MCF7 breast cancer cells, triggering apoptotic pathways and widespread alterations in protein expression. These results offer valuable mechanistic insights into nanoceria's selective anticancer activity and highlight its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Source: Antioxidants

DOI: 10.3390/antiox14111361