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Differentiation of the SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Published on: February 17, 2016
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Cytotoxicity Modulated by Cyanotoxins in Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells
Suryakant Niture1,2, Sashi Gadi1, Somnath Mukhopadhyay1
1The Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute (JLC-BBRI), North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA.
Journal of Experimental Pathology
|December 22, 2025
Summary
Low concentrations of cyanotoxins (CTs) from algal blooms can impact brain cells. Exposure to these environmental toxins affects cell metabolism, inflammation, and may increase Alzheimer's disease markers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Cell biology
Background:
- Cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins (CTs), pollutants causing toxicity.
- Low-concentration CT exposure effects on neurotoxicity are unclear.
- CTs can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate low-concentration CT effects on neuroblastoma cells.
- Assess impact on cell metabolism, inflammatory signaling, and AD markers.
Main Methods:
- Used neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.
- Exposed cells to low concentrations (10 nM, 50 nM) of MC-LR, NOD, CYN, and BMAA.
- Analyzed cell viability (MTT assay), gene expression (metabolic, inflammatory, UPR), mitochondrial function, and Tau phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- All CTs increased cell survival at low concentrations.
- CTs differentially regulated metabolic gene expression; BMAA downregulated it.
- CT exposure decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption, increased inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNFα), enhanced apoptosis, and increased Tau phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Low-concentration CTs modulate neuroblastoma cell metabolism and inflammatory signaling.
- CT exposure impacts AD-related markers, suggesting a link to neurotoxicity.
- Highlights potential neurotoxic risks of environmental CT exposure.
