Monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles coupled with nuclear localization signal peptide for cell-nucleus targeting.
Functionalization of monodisperse superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles for cell specific targeting is crucial for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Targeted magnetic nanoparticles can be used to enhance the tissue contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to improve the efficiency in anticancer drug delivery, and to eliminate tumor cells by magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Herein we report the nucleus-targeting Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles functionalized with protein and nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide. These NLS-coated nanoparticles were introduced into the HeLa cell cytoplasm and nucleus, where the particles were monodispersed and non-aggregated. The success of labeling was examined and identified by fluorescence microscopy and MRI. The work demonstrates that monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles can be readily functionalized and stabilized for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Xu
Chenjie
C
Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA, Fax: (+1) 401-863-9046.
Xie
Jin
J
Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA, Fax: (+1) 401-863-9046.
Kohler
Nathan
N
Brown Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA.
Walsh
Edward G
EG
Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Chin
Y Eugene
YE
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA.
Sun
Shouheng
S
Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA, Fax: (+1) 401-863-9046.
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D019913:Nuclear Localization Signals; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals
D019913:Nuclear Localization Signals; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide