Ultrasmall integrin-targeted silica nanoparticles modulate signaling events and cellular processes in a concentration-dependent manner Journal Article


Authors: Benezra, M.; Phillips, E.; Overholtzer, M.; Zanzonico, P. B.; Tuominen, E.; Wiesner, U.; Bradbury, M. S.
Article Title: Ultrasmall integrin-targeted silica nanoparticles modulate signaling events and cellular processes in a concentration-dependent manner
Abstract: Cellular and molecular-level interactions of nanoparticles with biological systems are a rapidly evolving field requiring an improved understanding of endocytic trafficking as the principal driver and regulator of signaling events and cellular responses. An understanding of these processes is vital to nanomedicine applications. Studies investigating the complex interplay of these processes and their relationship to targeted nanoparticles exploiting endocytic pathways are notably lacking. It is known that integrins traffic through the endosomal pathway and participate in diverse roles controlling signal transduction, cell migration, and proliferation. Here, it is shown that ultrasmall, nontoxic, core-shell silica nanoparticles (C-dots), surface-functionalized with cRGDY peptides, modestly activate integrin-signaling pathways, in turn, promoting the enhancement of cellular functions. First, nanomolar concentrations, two orders of magnitude higher than clinical trial doses, internalize within αvβ3 integrin-expressing melanoma and endothelial cells, predominantly through an integrin receptor-dependent endocytic route. Second, integrin-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and downstream signaling pathways occurs, in turn, upregulating phosphorylated protein expression levels and promoting concentration-dependent cellular migration and proliferative activity. Inhibiting FAK catalytic activity leads to decreased phosphorylation levels and cellular migration rates. These findings may inform the design of more effectively-targeted nanomedicines and provide insights into endocytic regulation of signal transduction. The interactions of nanoparticles with biological systems require a better understanding of endocytic trafficking as a driver and regulator of signal transduction pathways and cellular events. Exposure of integrin-expressing human melanoma and endothelial cells to a sub-10-nm fluorescent silica nanoparticle displaying cRGD peptides modestly activates integrin-signaling pathways, promoting migration and proliferation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Keywords: signal transduction; cytology; melanoma; signaling; phosphorylation; oncology; endothelial cells; peptides; medical nanotechnology; nanoparticles; silica; fluorescent silica nanoparticles; molecular biology; biological systems; endocytosis; dermatology; integrins; catalyst activity; cells; cell signaling; bacteriophages; silica nanoparticles; integrin signaling; mobile security; concentration-dependent manners; core-shell silica nanoparticles; molecular level interactions
Journal Title: Small
Volume: 11
Issue: 14
ISSN: 1613-6810
Publisher: Wiley V C H Verlag Gmbh  
Date Published: 2015-04-08
Start Page: 1721
End Page: 1732
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/smll.201402331
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 25471698
PMCID: PMC4417140
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 4 May 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Pat B Zanzonico
    355 Zanzonico
  2. Miriam Benezra
    12 Benezra