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Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated apoptosis via JNK in MWCNT-exposed in vitro systems: size, surface

Nivedita Chatterjee1, Jinhee Choi1

  • 1School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Korea.

The Journal of Toxicological Sciences
|June 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) trigger cell death by activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and MAPK pathways. These nano-bio interactions depend on MWCNT properties, influencing toxicity and safe application.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly used, necessitating an understanding of their biological impact.
  • Cellular responses to nanomaterials involve complex pathways, including stress responses and apoptosis.
  • The physico-chemical properties of MWCNTs can significantly influence their nano-bio interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of MWCNT-induced cellular responses.
  • To investigate the cross-talk between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, MAPK activation, and apoptosis.
  • To determine the dependence of these nano-bio interactions on MWCNT physico-chemical properties.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of human bronchial epithelial (Beas2B) and hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines to five types of MWCNTs with varying functionalization and aspect ratios.
  • Assessment of tissue-specific sensitivity, calcium homeostasis, ER-stress response, MAPK activation, and apoptosis.
  • Utilized pharmaceutical inhibitors and analyzed gene and protein expression of relevant biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Tissue-specific sensitivity to MWCNTs was observed, influenced by surface functionalization and aspect ratios.
  • MWCNTs induced ER-stress response via the IRE1α-XPB1 pathway.
  • ER stress subsequently triggered apoptosis through JNK activation in both cell types, with variable intensity.

Conclusions:

  • MWCNT toxicity mechanisms involve ER stress and MAPK pathway activation.
  • The physico-chemical properties of MWCNTs dictate the nature and intensity of cellular responses.
  • Findings contribute to understanding MWCNT toxicity and promoting safer applications.
Keywords:
ApoptosisCalcium homeostasisEndoplasmic reticulum stressIn vitro cell type specificityMAPK activationMWCNTs

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