Investigating the Differential Expression of Apoptotic Proteins by Utilizing Hybrid Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Sampson Ugoaru
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biotechnology/Molecular Biology - STEM 5 Year B.S./M.S.
Faculty Research Mentor: Derrick Swinton
Abstract:
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a crucial process in maintaining cellular homeostasis and is often disrupted in cancer. This study leverages advanced proteomics techniques to investigate the apoptotic pathways in HeLa cells, a widely used human cancer cell line. By analyzing the protein expression profiles and identifying key regulators involved in apoptosis, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving cancer cell survival and death. Our results conclude that nanoparticles induce apoptosis in HeLa cells and differential gene and protein expression. The outcomes of this research can contribute to the design of nanoparticles that can serve as drug-delivery vehicles.Nanotechnology’s rapid advancements are revolutionizing early cancer detection and precision drug delivery, offering new hope for targeted tumor treatments. Among various nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stand out for their unique properties that make them highly suitable for in vivo applications. In this study, we explore the potential of finely tuned AuNPs to trigger apoptosis in human HeLa cells, assessing their effectiveness through a range of assays. This investigation sheds light on the promise of AuNPs in cell-targeted cancer.