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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Multiple Mitochondrial Parameters in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Neural and Glial Derivatives
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Effects of silica nanoparticle exposure on mitochondrial function during neuronal differentiation
Angélique D Ducray1, Andrea Felser2, Jana Zielinski1
1Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 124, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology
|July 6, 2017
Summary
Silica-indocyanine green/poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (PCL-NPs) impact mitochondrial function in differentiating neuronal cells. Exposure before differentiation significantly reduced cellular respiration, potentially affecting neuronal development and increasing neurodegeneration risks.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nanomedicine holds promise for brain disease therapies.
- Assessing nanoparticle effects on neuronal health and differentiation is crucial.
- Poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (PCL-NPs) are engineered for brain laser tissue soldering.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate PCL-NP effects on SH-SY5Y cell differentiation.
- Analyze metabolic impacts of PCL-NP exposure before and during differentiation.
- Examine PI3-K/Akt and MAP-K/ERK pathways in relation to neuronal differentiation and mitochondrial function.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to PCL-NPs before and during differentiation.
- Measurement of cellular respiration and extracellular acidification rates (ECAR).
- Analysis of respiratory chain complex activity, glycolytic enzyme activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production, and superoxide levels.
- Assessment of neuronal differentiation markers and cell morphology.
Main Results:
- Differentiation decreased cellular respiration and ECAR.
- PCL-NP exposure impaired mitochondrial function, particularly when administered before differentiation.
- Reduced phosphofructokinase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential were observed with pre-differentiation PCL-NP exposure.
- ATP production dropped during differentiation, independent of PCL-NP exposure.
- Neuronal differentiation markers showed a slight decrease post-PCL-NP exposure without morphological changes.
Conclusions:
- PCL-NP exposure timing influences mitochondrial function during neuronal differentiation.
- Exposure during differentiation may impair mitochondrial function and affect neuronal development.
- Further research is needed to understand mechanisms and risks, including neurodegeneration.

