Materials-Based Approach for Interrogating Human Prostate Cancer Cell Adhesion and Migratory Potential Using a Fluoroalkylsilica Culture Surface

Bioengineering strategies to control epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition for studies of cardiac development and disease

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that occurs in a wide range of tissues and environments, in response to numerous factors and conditions, and plays a critical role in development, disease, and regeneration. The process involves epithelia transitioning into a mobile state and becoming mesenchymal cells. The investigation of EMT processes has been important for understanding developmental biology and disease progression, enabling the advancement of treatment approaches for a variety of disorders such as cancer and myocardial infarction. More recently, tissue engineering efforts have also recognized the importance of controlling the EMT process. In this review, we provide an overview of the EMT process and the signaling pathways and factors that control it, followed by a discussion of bioengineering strategies to control EMT. Important biological, biomaterial, biochemical, and physical factors and properties that have been utilized to control EMT are described, as well as the studies that have investigated the modulation of EMT in tissue engineering and regenerative approaches in vivo, with a specific focus on the heart. Novel tools that can be used to characterize and assess EMT are discussed and finally, we close with a perspective on new bioengineering methods that have the potential to transform our ability to control EMT, ultimately leading to new therapies.

Serotonin-Functionalized Vit-E Nanomicelles for Targeting of Irinotecan to Prostate Cancer Cells

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is key in the success of targeted nanomedicines for the treatment of cancer. Various receptors have been explored for the active targeting of anticancer drugs to avoid the drawbacks of conventional anticancer drugs. This research work aimed to investigate the potential of serotonin (ST)-conjugated Vit-E nanomicelles for the targeted delivery of irinotecan hydrochloride (IRI) to human prostate cancer cells. A ST receptor-targeting conjugate was synthesized by conjugating ST and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate via a two-step synthesis reaction. The developed formulation demonstrated a size of about 14 nm, a negative zeta potential of around -20 mV, a high drug encapsulation efficiency, and sustained drug release over 48 h. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that ST-conjugated, IRI-loaded nanomicelles (IRI-STNM) were not only toxic to human prostate cancer cells but also eradicate these cells present in the form of 3D spheroids. This cytotoxicity of IRI-STNM was mediated through induction of apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, change in mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibition of cell migration. Further, IRI-STNM performed significantly better than the native IRI and nontargeted nanomicelles, which was led by a higher cellular uptake of IRI-STNM, indicating the role of ST in targeting of drug-loaded nanomicelles.