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Silver nanoparticles alter epithelial basement membrane integrity, cell adhesion molecule expression, and TGF-β1
Megan E Martin1, Denise K Reaves1, Breanna Jeffcoat1
1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA.
Nanomedicine : Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine
|July 28, 2019
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) disrupt epithelial tissue integrity by interfering with basement membrane production and cell adhesion dynamics. This study reveals molecular mechanisms underlying AgNP-induced physiological changes in various epithelial models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess antipathogenic properties, leading to widespread use in consumer and pharmaceutical products.
- Safety concerns arise from AgNPs' bioactive properties, with limited understanding of their impact on tissue integrity.
- Previous research indicates AgNPs can embed in the extracellular matrix, but effects on basement membrane (BM) production and cell adhesion are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of AgNPs on basement membrane (BM) production, composition, and integrin/focal adhesion interactions.
- To analyze molecular and physiological changes in epithelial cell adhesions and the BM following acute and chronic AgNP exposure.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which AgNPs disrupt epithelial physiology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multidisciplinary approach including focused proteomics and qPCR arrays.
- Employed pathway analyses, immune-based, structural, and functional assays.
- Examined representative lung, esophageal, breast, and colorectal epithelial models.
Main Results:
- AgNP exposure was found to dysregulate key targets such as CD44 and transforming growth factor-beta.
- Identified interference of AgNPs with basement membrane (BM) and cell adhesion dynamics.
- Revealed molecular and physiological alterations in epithelial models after AgNP exposure.
Conclusions:
- AgNP exposure significantly interferes with the normal dynamics of basement membrane (BM) and cell adhesion.
- The study provides critical insights into the mechanisms of AgNP-induced disruption of epithelial physiology.
- Findings highlight potential risks associated with AgNP use and their impact on tissue integrity.
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