A Fluorescent Vector of Carbon Dot to Deliver Rab13 and Rab14 Plasmids for Promoting Neurite Outgrowth

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neuron differentiation and repair are vital for nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Neurite outgrowth is essential for neuronal connections and neuroplasticity, aiding functional restoration.
• Effective delivery of genetic material to neurons is a key challenge in neuronal repair therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate functionalized carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescence imaging probes and nanocarriers for neuronal gene delivery.
• To investigate the ability of these CDs to induce neurite outgrowth in neurons.
• To evaluate the potential of this approach for gene therapy in neuronal injuries and diseases.

Main Methods:

• Carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized via reflux in nitric acid and surface-modified with polyethylenimine (PEI).
• PEI-modified CDs were used to deliver plasmid DNAs encoding Rab13-Q67L and Rab14 proteins to neurons.
• Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake efficiency, and neurite outgrowth were assessed.

Main Results:

• Fabricated CDs demonstrated low cytotoxicity and high neuron uptake (up to 97%).
• Successful plasmid DNA delivery enhanced Rab13-Q67L and Rab14 protein expression in neurons.
• Neurite sprouting and elongation were significantly promoted, with over 56% of neurons showing doubled neurite length.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized carbon dots serve as effective and safe nanocarriers for gene delivery to neurons.
• This CD-mediated gene delivery system successfully induces neurite outgrowth.
• The approach holds significant potential for gene therapy applications in treating neuronal injuries and diseases.