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08:37
Microglia as a Surrogate Biosensor to Determine Nanoparticle Neurotoxicity
Published on: October 25, 2016
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Protein Microplastic Coronation Complexes Trigger Proteome Changes in Brain-Derived Neuronal and Glial Cells.
Janbolat Ashim1, Sangho Ji1, Hee-Yeon Kim2
1Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 18, 2025
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) adsorb proteins, forming a corona that alters cellular processes. This protein-MP corona, unlike intact MPs, significantly impacts cellular functions and signaling pathways, potentially aiding MP brain accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Their presence in food chains raises concerns about physiological impacts.
- Understanding molecular-level effects is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate molecular impacts of protein-MP coronas and intact MPs on brain cells.
- Elucidate mechanisms of cellular responses to MPs.
- Assess risks associated with MP-protein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
- Examined brain-derived neuronal and glial cells.
- Compared effects of preformed protein-MP coronas versus intact MPs.
Main Results:
- MPs adsorb proteins from biological fluids, forming heterogeneous coronas.
- Protein-MP coronas significantly altered protein expression compared to intact MPs.
- Affected pathways include protein synthesis, RNA processing, lipid metabolism, and transport.
Conclusions:
- Protein adsorption onto MPs creates a corona that profoundly impacts cellular functions.
- MP coronas perturb cellular signaling pathways via recognition mechanisms.
- This interaction may contribute to microplastic accumulation in the brain.
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