Graphene Oxide Potentiates Induction Efficiency and Functional Maturation of Induced Mammary Epithelial Cells

This study aims to explore the effects of graphene oxide (GO) particles on the RepSox-mediated transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into mammary epithelial cells.

GO was synthesized using the Hummers method, and its structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Its biocompatibility was verified through CCK - 8 and EdU assays. The effects of the GO/RepSox composite system on the transdifferentiation process of fibroblasts and the potential regulatory mechanisms were comprehensively evaluated using morphological observation, immunofluorescent staining, Western blot analysis, real - time quantitative PCR (qRT - PCR), and RNA sequencing techniques.

The synthesized GO not only had good biocompatibility but also promoted cell proliferation. GO significantly improved the efficiency of RepSox-mediated transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into mammary epithelial cells and enhanced the lactation function of mammary epithelial cells. Mechanistically, GO may create favorable conditions for transdifferentiation by coordinately regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism (the ATP level was significantly increased in the R + GO group) and cell cycle progression (the proportion of cells in the G1 phase was significantly increased).

This study first elucidates the regulatory role of GO in cell fate determination and provides innovative research ideas and experimental evidence for the application of nanomaterials in cell reprogramming and transdifferentiation.