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Updated: May 17, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Interplay between apoptotic and autophagy pathways after exposure to cerium dioxide nanoparticles in human monocytes
Salik Hussain1, Stavros Garantziotis
1Clinical Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. salik.hussain@nih.gov
Abstract:
Engineered nanomaterials, defined as having at least one dimension smaller than 100 nm, have revolutionized many technology sectors ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to environmental monitoring and remediation. This has resulted in a rapid increase in their manufacture over the past few years, accompanied by an increased human exposure potential. However, understanding of the interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems is still rudimentary. We have described that an environmentally and medically relevant nano metal (cerium dioxide) can affect primary human monocyte viability and interact with programmed cell death pathways leading to apoptosis and autophagic cell death. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs)-induced autophagy acts as a prodeath mechanism and leads to increased cytotoxicity of human monocytes. A better understanding of the implication and biological significance of CeO 2 NPs-induced autophagy and apoptosis will help us understand the risks associated with its uses and develop safer nanomedicine.
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