Gold Nanoparticles Regulate Tight Junctions and Improve Cetuximab Effect in Colon Cancer Cells

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> Colon cancer (CC) is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery has been increasing in cancer clinical trials over recent years. <b>Materials & methods:</b> We evaluated cytotoxicity of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and the role they play on cell-cell adhesion. We also used GNP for delivery of cetuximab into different CC cell lines. <b>Results:</b> CC cells with well-formed tight junctions impair GNP uptake. Noncytotoxic concentration of GNP increases paracellular permeability in Caco-2 cells in a reversible way, concomitantly to tight junctions proteins CLDN1 and ZO-1 redistribution. GNP functionalized with cetuximab increases death of invasive HCT-116 CC cells. <b>Conclusion:</b> GNP can be used for drug delivery and can improve efficiency of CC therapy.