Human Genetics and Genomics

en Green Synthesis of Allium schoenoprasum Extract-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Regulating Apoptotic/Metastatic Gene Expression in HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells تخصصي Signaling pathway of cancer cells پژوهشي Research Background: Allium schoenoprasum (chives) has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic properties. However, its poor water solubility limits its therapeutic potential. Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly Fe3O4 MNPs, have emerged as highly versatile platforms in cancer research due to their unique physicochemical and magnetic properties. Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize green-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with Allium schoenoprasum extract and evaluate their therapeutic potential by investigating their effects on the expression of key apoptotic and metastatic genes in human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells. Methods: MNPs-As were synthesized via a green approach and characterized using standard techniques including FTIR, TGA, VSM and FE-SEM. Cytotoxicity effect was assessed using MTT assay. The expression levels of crucial genes, including the tumor suppressor pro-apoptotic BAX, P53, CASP8, and metastasis-related MMP-2 and MMP-9, were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Allium schoenoprasum extract@Fe3O4 MNP exhibited a spherical and uniform morphology, with an average size of 30 nm and demonstrated thermal stability up to approximately 260°C. IC₅₀ value of Allium schoenoprasum extract@Fe3O4 MNP on HT-29 cells were 96.95 µg/mL, 78.17 µg/mL, and 74.87 µg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Crucially, Allium schoenoprasum extract@Fe3O4 MNP treatment led to a significant upregulation of BAX, P53, and CASP8 gene expression, while concurrently downregulating the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that green-synthesized Allium schoenoprasum-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles represent a promising novel therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer. By modulating key apoptotic and metastatic pathways, Allium schoenoprasum extract@Fe3O4 MNP hold potential for developing more effective and targeted treatments against CRC.   Allium schoenoprasum, Cytotoxicity, Magnetic Nanoparticles, Green Synthesis, Colorectal Cancer. 0 0 http://humangeneticsgenomics.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-414-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Hesameddin Choopanian h.choopanian@iau.ac.ir 10031947532846001272 10031947532846001272 No Department of Biology, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran Najmeh Ranji na.ranji@iau.ac.ir 10031947532846001273 10031947532846001273 Yes Department of Biology, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran Mohammad Nikpassand Mohammad.nikpassand@iau.ac.ir 10031947532846001274 10031947532846001274 No Department of Chemistry, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran. Sara Dabirian sara501dabirian@yahoo.com 10031947532846001275 10031947532846001275 No Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran