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Live-cell Imaging of Endocytic Transport using Functionalized Nanobodies in Cultured Cells
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A TEM-traceable physiologically functional gold nanoprobe that permeates non-endocytic cells
Maria Victoria Berberian1, Cristian A Pocognoni2, Luis S Mayorga1,2
1Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, vberberian@mendoza-conicet.gob.ar.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|December 21, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a novel gold nanoprobe that successfully enters human sperm cells. This breakthrough enables the study of non-endocytic cells, overcoming standard drug-delivery challenges.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular internalization pathways are crucial for nanoparticle uptake.
- Non-endocytic cells, like human spermatozoa, present significant challenges for conventional drug delivery.
- Understanding intracellular fate requires effective cell penetration strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a gold nanoprobe capable of penetrating the membranes of human sperm cells.
- To overcome the impermeability of non-endocytic cells for biological investigations.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of gold nanoparticles with a recombinant protein.
- Incorporation of metallothioneins (MT) for gold binding and physiological activity.
- Utilizing a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequence for enhanced membrane permeability.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful internalization of the gold nanoprobe into human sperm.
- Confirmed that the nanoprobe does not compromise sperm integrity or function.
- Verified the preserved physiological activity of metallothioneins within the sperm cells.
Conclusions:
- The CPP-functionalized nanogold nanoprobe is effective for sperm cell internalization.
- This technology offers a promising approach for studying the physiology of impermeable non-endocytic cells.
- Potential applications in diagnostics and targeted delivery to sperm are highlighted.
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