Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Conjugated with Safranal on MMP۱ and mTOR Gene Expression in MCF-۷ Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Recent studies suggest that nanoparticles can enhance therapeutic efficacy. This research investigates the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) conjugated with Safranal on the expression of key genes associated with metabolism in Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF-۷) breast cancer cell lines. ZnO@Glu-Safranal NPs were synthesized and characterized using FE-SEM, transmission electron microscope (TEM), FT-IR, XRD, and Zeta potential analysis. To assess the effects of ZnO@Glu-Safranal NPs on the expression of MMP۱ and mTOR genes, the MCF-۷ cell line was treated with the IC۵۰ concentration of the nanoparticles (۱۶۵ μg/mL) for ۲۴ hours, while untreated cells were used as a control. Changes in gene expression levels were quantified using real-time PCR, and p ˂ ۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant. The results showed decreased expression of MMP۱ (۰.۸۷-fold, p = ۰.۰۲) and mTOR (۰.۸۶-fold, p = ۰.۰۳) in MCF-۷ cell lines compared to the control group. The study demonstrates that ZnO@Glu-Safranal NPs effectively modulate the expression of key metabolic genes expression in breast cancer cell lines. These findings highlight their potential as an effective therapeutic strategy, emphasizing the need for further research into their mechanisms and clinical applications to enhance breast cancer treatment outcomes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breast Neoplasms ، gene expression ، Nanoparticles ، Safranal ، Zinc Oxide