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Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
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Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis
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When neurons encounter nanoobjects: spotlight on calcium signalling.

Davide Lovisolo1, Alessandra Gilardino2, Federico Alessandro Ruffinatti3

  • 1Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, Torino 10123, Italy. davide.lovisolo@unito.it.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nanoparticles (NPs) can disrupt calcium homeostasis in neurons, primarily through interactions at the cell membrane. These effects depend on NP concentration, size, and surface properties, impacting neuronal function.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Nanotechnology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Nanosized objects are prevalent in daily life and technology.
  • Concerns about potential adverse effects drive research into nanoparticle (NP) biocompatibility and toxicity.
  • Calcium homeostasis is a critical cellular function susceptible to NP interactions, particularly in the nervous system (NS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of NPs on calcium signaling and homeostasis in neurons.
  • To understand how environmental and engineered NPs impact neuronal calcium regulation.
  • To identify key NP properties influencing biological responses in the NS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies of NPs and calcium signals in neuronal cells.
  • Analysis of data from both environmental and engineered NPs.
  • Consideration of NP concentration, size, and surface properties.

Main Results:

  • Most NPs interfere with neuronal calcium homeostasis via plasmamembrane interactions, not internalization.
  • Extracellular calcium influx is the primary mechanism of disruption.
  • Observed effects are complexly dependent on NP concentration, size, and surface characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • Nanoparticles pose a risk to neuronal calcium homeostasis.
  • Understanding NP-membrane interactions is key to predicting neurotoxicity.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate NP effects on neuronal function and develop safe applications.