Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
Published on: April 14, 2010
Induction of caspase-2 gene expression in carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotube-treated human T-cell leukemia
Shirin Lotfipanah1, Majid Zeinali2, Parichehreh Yaghmaei1
1Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have great potential as novel diagnostic or therapeutic tools in biomedicine but, cellular toxicity must be well considered before widespread application of CNTs. Many chemical agents exert their toxicity through apoptotic pathways by induction of caspase biomolecules. In the current study, effects of carboxyl-functionalized single-walled (SW) and multi-walled (MW) CNTs at a single dose of 100 µg ml-1 on the survival of Jurkat cells were examined using MTT assay. Additionally, the impacts of carboxylated CNTs on the gene expression levels of selected caspases were investigated. Jurkat cells were exposed to CNTs (100 µg ml-1 for 72 h) and then expression levels of selected caspase genes (Cas) were evaluated by qRT-PCR analysis. Housekeeping genes, β-actin, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), were used as normalization controls. The results showed only a mild decrease in the viability of Jurkat cells treated with carboxylated MWCNT. The results of qRT-PCR analysis revealed the elevated level of Cas2 mRNA in the cells treated with carboxylated MWCNT (6.08-fold) and carboxylated SWCNT (1.20-fold). The expression levels of Cas4, Cas6, Cas8, and Cas10 genes were increased not significantly compared to the control untreated cells. Our findings suggested that exposure to carboxyl-functionalized CNTs could be resulted in up-regulation of the Cas2 gene and not initiator Cas8 and Cas10 genes. In addition, it seems that carboxylated MWCNT was more potent than SWCNT in activation of Cas2 gene expression and triggering cell death signal in a manner different from intrinsic or extrinsic apoptosis pathways.
Insights
Carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) showed mild toxicity to Jurkat cells. Multi-walled CNTs significantly increased Caspase-2 (Cas2) gene expression, suggesting a unique cell death pathway distinct from typical apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer potential in biomedicine but require thorough toxicity assessment.
- Apoptosis, mediated by caspases, is a key cellular pathway affected by toxic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular toxicity of carboxyl-functionalized single-walled (SWCNT) and multi-walled (MWCNT) carbon nanotubes on Jurkat cells.
- To evaluate the impact of these CNTs on the gene expression of selected caspases.
Main Methods:
- Jurkat cells were exposed to 100 µg/mL carboxylated SWCNTs and MWCNTs for 72 hours.
- Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.
- Caspase gene expression levels were quantified using qRT-PCR, with β-actin and GAPDH as normalization controls.
Main Results:
- Carboxylated MWCNTs induced a mild decrease in Jurkat cell viability.
- QRT-PCR revealed a significant 6.08-fold increase in Caspase-2 (Cas2) mRNA in MWCNT-treated cells and a 1.20-fold increase in SWCNT-treated cells.
- Expression of initiator caspases (Cas8, Cas10) and other caspases (Cas4, Cas6) did not increase significantly.
Conclusions:
- Carboxyl-functionalized CNTs, particularly MWCNTs, can up-regulate Caspase-2 (Cas2) gene expression.
- This suggests a cell death signaling pathway initiated by carboxylated CNTs that differs from intrinsic or extrinsic apoptosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of CNT-induced cytotoxicity.
Related Concept Videos
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
01:36What is Gene Expression?
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability