Anno: 
2017
Nome e qualifica del proponente del progetto: 
sb_p_561836
Abstract: 

The use of nanotechnology-based products has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. A major increase in the use of nano-materials in medicine, food industry and cosmetic is expected in the following years.
In this context, our project aims to detail the modalities of interaction and the molecular effects of nano (Zn-NP) particles of zinc oxide (ZnO) on tumor cells.
Initially, we will detail the mechanisms of interaction between Zn-NP and the plasmamembrane. Next, we will proceed with an ultrastructural study of their intracellular localization. Afterwards, we will analyze the molecular aspects of Zn-NP exposure with a particular attention to the activation of the autophagic process. Finally, we will set up pilot experiments to explore the possibility for a nano-vehiculation of antibodies or anti-microRNA molecules in tumor cells by Zn-NP.
In conclusion our study will allow to study the effects of nano and micro-particles of ZnO on tumor cells providing the rationale for the development of an anti-tumoral nanotherapy.

Componenti gruppo di ricerca: 
sb_cp_is_831804
sb_cp_is_855449
sb_cp_is_943616
sb_cp_is_912325
sb_cp_is_702829
Innovatività: 

Zn oxide nanoparticles (Zn-NP) are becoming increasingly popular due to their use in electronics, clothing, paints, sunscreens, cosmetics and food additives because of their antimicrobial activity (1). Considering such an increasing usage, it is important to gain more informations regarding: 1) the effects of Zn-NP on human and animal cells and tissues, 2) the possibility to exploit this knowledge for an anti-tumoral strategy or to better convey anti-tumoral molecules into neoplastic cells.
Numerous scientific studies have started to address these questions from a molecular point of view but with conflicting results. In fact, while some studies have observed an increase of cell death after Zn-NP treatment due to ROS generation and accumulation, others have failed to observe so (2,3). In addition, some laboratories have claimed that the toxicity of Zn-NP is due to the release of Zn ions once in the cytoplasm whereas others were not able to measure Zn ions (4,5). Finally, a large confusion is present when trying to identify the intracellular compartment reached by Zn-NP. In fact, some claim that Zn-NP accumulates only in the cytosol whereas others have observed nuclear accumulation of Zn-NP (6).
Starting from these considerations, our project aims to clarify the most important biological aspects of Zn-NP such as: 1) mechanism of interaction between tumor and non-tumor primary and stable cell lines and Zn-NP, 2) mechanisms of cellular internalization and localization of Zn-NP, 3) molecular mechanisms activated by the presence of Zn-NP, 4) how to use this new knowledge for a future anti-neoplastic therapy.
Our results could provide important informations on nanoparticles in general and Zn-NP in particular and on their use in biomedicine and for biomedical companies.
Moreover, from a medical point of view, vehicolation with Zn-NP could reduce the amount of the molecule or drug necessary to obtain a cellular effect thereby reducing adverse effects for the patient.

References
1) Wang, Z.L., 2008. ACS Nano 2, 1987-92
2) Ng CT, Yong LQ, Hande MP, Ong CN, Yu LE, Bay BH, Baeg GH. Int J Nanomedicine. 2017;12:1621-1637. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S124403
3) Shoae-Hagh P, Rahimifard M, Navaei-Nigjeh M, Baeeri M, Gholami M, MohammadiradA, Abdollahi M. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014;162:262-9. doi: 10.1007/s12011-014-0113-6.
4) Xia T, Zhao Y, Sager T, George S, Pokhrel S, Li N, Schoenfeld D, Meng H, LinS, Wang X, Wang M, Ji Z, Zink JI, MädlerL, Castranova V, Lin S, Nel AE. ACS Nano. 2011;5:1223-35. doi: 10.1021/nn1028482.
5) Zanni E, Chandraiahgari CR, De Bellis G, Montereali MR, Armiento G, Ballirano P, Polimeni A, Sarto MS, Uccelletti D. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2016;6. pii: E179. doi: 10.3390/nano6100179.
6) Gao F, Ma N, Zhou H, Wang Q, Zhang H, Wang P, Hou H, Wen H, Li L. Zinc oxide nanoparticles-induced epigenetic change and G2/M arrest are associated with apoptosis in human epidermal keratinocytes. Int J Nanomedicine. 2016;11:3859-74. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S107021. eCollection 2016.

Codice Bando: 
561836
Keywords: 

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