Disruption of EMT Signaling and Migration by Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder-Silver Nanoparticles (MOLP-AgNPs) in HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Biomedical Science Master’s Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia.

2 Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia.

3 Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia.

4 Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Malaysia.

5 Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Malaysia.

6 Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145, Indonesia.

7 Department of Biochemistry and Biomolecular, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential anticancer effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder–silver nanoparticles (MOLP-AgNPs) by assessing their impact on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and cell migration in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Methods: HeLa cells were treated with MOLP-AgNPs at concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 µg/mL, alongside an untreated control group. Cell viability was assessed using the trypan blue exclusion method to determine non-toxic concentrations. A scratch (wound-healing) assay was used to evaluate cell migration, while immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of EMT-related proteins Snail and vimentin. Result: MOLP-AgNPs significantly inhibited cell migration in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of Snail and vimentin was markedly downregulated following treatment, indicating suppression of EMT-related pathways (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These exploratory preclinical findings suggest that MOLP-AgNPs exert anti-migratory effects on cervical cancer cells by modulating EMT. Although HeLa is a non-metastatic cell line, this study highlights the potential of MOLP-AgNPs as a promising candidate for further investigation in metastatic cancer models. 

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 27, Issue 3
March 2026
Pages 981-988

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 February 2026

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