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Tortella L, Santini I, Lozano N, Kostarelos K, Cellot G, Ballerini L. Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Hamper Glutamate Mediated Excitotoxicity and Protect Neuronal Survival In An In vitro Stroke Model. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301762. [PMID: 37706581 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Small graphene oxide (s-GO) nanosheets reversibly downregulate central nervous system (CNS) excitatory synapses, with potential developments as future therapeutic tools to treat neuro-disorders characterized by altered glutamatergic transmission. Excitotoxicity, namely cell death triggered by exceeding ambient glutamate fueling over-activation of excitatory synapses, is a pathogenic mechanism shared by several neural diseases, from ischemic stroke to neurodegenerative disorders. In this work, CNS cultures were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to mimic ischemic stroke in vitro, and it is show that the delivery of s-GO following OGD, during the endogenous build-up of secondary damage and excitotoxicity, improved neuronal survival. In a different paradigm, excitotoxicity cell damage was reproduced through exogenous glutamate application, and s-GO co-treatment protected neuronal integrity, potentially by directly downregulating the synaptic over-activation brought about by exogenous glutamate. This proof-of-concept study suggests that s-GO may find novel applications in therapeutic developments for treating excitotoxicity-driven neural cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Tortella
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Irene Santini
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Neus Lozano
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Nanomedicine Lab, and Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Giada Cellot
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Ballerini
- Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
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2
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Ye T, Yang Y, Bai J, Wu FY, Zhang L, Meng LY, Lan Y. The mechanical, optical, and thermal properties of graphene influencing its pre-clinical use in treating neurological diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1162493. [PMID: 37360172 PMCID: PMC10288862 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1162493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid progress in nanotechnology has advanced fundamental neuroscience and innovative treatment using combined diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The atomic scale tunability of nanomaterials, which can interact with biological systems, has attracted interest in emerging multidisciplinary fields. Graphene, a two-dimensional nanocarbon, has gained increasing attention in neuroscience due to its unique honeycomb structure and functional properties. Hydrophobic planar sheets of graphene can be effectively loaded with aromatic molecules to produce a defect-free and stable dispersion. The optical and thermal properties of graphene make it suitable for biosensing and bioimaging applications. In addition, graphene and its derivatives functionalized with tailored bioactive molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier for drug delivery, substantially improving their biological property. Therefore, graphene-based materials have promising potential for possible application in neuroscience. Herein, we aimed to summarize the important properties of graphene materials required for their application in neuroscience, the interaction between graphene-based materials and various cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and their potential clinical applications in recording electrodes, drug delivery, treatment, and as nerve scaffolds for neurological diseases. Finally, we offer insights into the prospects and limitations to aid graphene development in neuroscience research and nanotherapeutics that can be used clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biological Functional Molecules, College of Intergration Science, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Jin Bai
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Feng-Ying Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biological Functional Molecules, College of Intergration Science, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Long-Yue Meng
- Department of Environmental Science, Department of Chemistry, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Lan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China
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3
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Redigolo L, Sanfilippo V, La Mendola D, Forte G, Satriano C. Bioinspired Nanoplatforms Based on Graphene Oxide and Neurotrophin-Mimicking Peptides. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:membranes13050489. [PMID: 37233550 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13050489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs), which are crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, are also known to regulate vascularization. Graphene-based materials may drive neural growth and differentiation, and, thus, have great potential in regenerative medicine. In this work, we scrutinized the nano-biointerface between the cell membrane and hybrids made of neurotrophin-mimicking peptides and graphene oxide (GO) assemblies (pep-GO), to exploit their potential in theranostics (i.e., therapy and imaging/diagnostics) for targeting neurodegenerative diseases (ND) as well as angiogenesis. The pep-GO systems were assembled via spontaneous physisorption onto GO nanosheets of the peptide sequences BDNF(1-12), NT3(1-13), and NGF(1-14), mimicking the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the neurotrophin 3 (NT3), and the nerve growth factor (NGF), respectively. The interaction of pep-GO nanoplatforms at the biointerface with artificial cell membranes was scrutinized both in 3D and 2D by utilizing model phospholipids self-assembled as small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) or planar-supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), respectively. The experimental studies were paralleled via molecular dynamics (MD) computational analyses. Proof-of-work in vitro cellular experiments with undifferentiated neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), neuron-like, differentiated neuroblastoma (dSH-SY5Y), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were carried out to shed light on the capability of the pep-GO nanoplatforms to stimulate the neurite outgrowth as well as tubulogenesis and cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Redigolo
- Nano Hybrid Biointerfaces Lab (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Vanessa Sanfilippo
- Nano Hybrid Biointerfaces Lab (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Satriano
- Nano Hybrid Biointerfaces Lab (NHBIL), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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4
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Di Mauro G, Amoriello R, Lozano N, Carnasciali A, Guasti D, Becucci M, Cellot G, Kostarelos K, Ballerini C, Ballerini L. Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Reduce Astrocyte Reactivity to Inflammation and Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. ACS NANO 2023; 17:1965-1978. [PMID: 36692902 PMCID: PMC9933621 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In neuroinflammation, astrocytes play multifaceted roles that regulate the neuronal environment. Astrocytes sense and respond to pro-inflammatory cytokines (CKs) and, by a repertoire of intracellular Ca2+ signaling, contribute to disease progression. Therapeutic approaches wish to reduce the overactivation in Ca2+ signaling in inflammatory-reactive astrocytes to restore dysregulated cellular changes. Cell-targeting therapeutics might take advantage by the use of nanomaterial-multifunctional platforms such as graphene oxide (GO). GO biomedical applications in the nervous system involve therapeutic delivery and sensing, and GO flakes were shown to enable interfacing of neuronal and glial membrane dynamics. We exploit organotypic spinal cord cultures and optical imaging to explore Ca2+ changes in astrocytes, and we report, when spinal tissue is exposed to CKs, neuroinflammatory-associated modulation of resident glia. We show the efficacy of GO to revert these dynamic changes in astrocytic reactivity to CKs, and we translate this potential in an animal model of immune-mediated neuroinflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Mauro
- International
School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberta Amoriello
- International
School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136Trieste, Italy
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, University
of Florence, 50139Florence, Italy
| | - Neus Lozano
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), 08193Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Carnasciali
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, University
of Florence, 50139Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, University
of Florence, 50139Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Becucci
- Dipartimento
di Chimica “Ugo Schiff”, DICUS, University of Florence, 50139Florence, Italy
| | - Giada Cellot
- International
School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136Trieste, Italy
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), 08193Barcelona, Spain
- Nanomedicine
Lab, and Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The National Graphene
Institute, University of Manchester, ManchesterM13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Ballerini
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, University
of Florence, 50139Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Ballerini
- International
School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136Trieste, Italy
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5
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Cellot G, Jacquemin L, Reina G, Franceschi Biagioni A, Fontanini M, Chaloin O, Nishina Y, Bianco A, Ballerini L. Bonding of Neuropeptide Y on Graphene Oxide for Drug Delivery Applications to the Central Nervous System. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2022; 5:17640-17651. [PMID: 36583122 PMCID: PMC9791619 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.2c03409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale graphene-based materials (GBMs) enable targeting subcellular structures of the nervous system, a feature crucial for the successful engineering of alternative nanocarriers to deliver drugs and to treat neurodisorders. Among GBMs, graphene oxide (GO) nanoflakes, showing good dispersibility in water solution and being rich of functionalizable oxygen groups, are ideal core structures for carrying biological active molecules to the brain, such as the neuropeptide Y (NPY). In addition, when unconjugated, these nanomaterials have been reported to modulate neuronal function per se. Although some GBM-based nanocarriers have been tested both in vitro and in vivo, a thorough characterization of covalent binding impact on the biological properties of the carried molecule and/or of the nanomaterial is still missing. Here, a copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition strategy was employed to synthesize the GO-NPY complex. By investigating through electrophysiology the impact of these conjugates on the activity of hippocampal neurons, we show that the covalent modification of the nanomaterial, while making GO an inert platform for the vectorized delivery, enhances the duration of NPY pharmacological activity. These findings support the future use of GO for the development of smart platforms for nervous system drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Cellot
- International
School for Advanced Studies, SISSA, Via Bonomea n. 265, 34136Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucas Jacquemin
- CNRS,
Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University
of Strasbourg ISIS, 67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Giacomo Reina
- CNRS,
Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University
of Strasbourg ISIS, 67000Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Mario Fontanini
- International
School for Advanced Studies, SISSA, Via Bonomea n. 265, 34136Trieste, Italy
| | - Olivier Chaloin
- CNRS,
Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University
of Strasbourg ISIS, 67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Yuta Nishina
- Graduate
School of Natural Science and Technology and Research Core for Interdisciplinary
Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka, Kita-ku, Okayama700-8530, Japan
| | - Alberto Bianco
- CNRS,
Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR 3572, University
of Strasbourg ISIS, 67000Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Ballerini
- International
School for Advanced Studies, SISSA, Via Bonomea n. 265, 34136Trieste, Italy
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6
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The dual action of glioma-derived exosomes on neuronal activity: synchronization and disruption of synchrony. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:705. [PMID: 35963860 PMCID: PMC9376103 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Seizures represent a frequent symptom in gliomas and significantly impact patient morbidity and quality of life. Although the pathogenesis of tumor-related seizures is not fully understood, accumulating evidence indicates a key role of the peritumoral microenvironment. Brain cancer cells interact with neurons by forming synapses with them and by releasing exosomes, cytokines, and other small molecules. Strong interactions among neurons often lead to the synchronization of their activity. In this paper, we used an in vitro model to investigate the role of exosomes released by glioma cell lines and by patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs). The addition of exosomes released by U87 glioma cells to neuronal cultures at day in vitro (DIV) 4, when neurons are not yet synchronous, induces synchronization. At DIV 7-12 neurons become highly synchronous, and the addition of the same exosomes disrupts synchrony. By combining Ca2+ imaging, electrical recordings from single neurons with patch-clamp electrodes, substrate-integrated microelectrode arrays, and immunohistochemistry, we show that synchronization and de-synchronization are caused by the combined effect of (i) the formation of new neuronal branches, associated with a higher expression of Arp3, (ii) the modification of synaptic efficiency, and (iii) a direct action of exosomes on the electrical properties of neurons, more evident at DIV 7-12 when the threshold for spike initiation is significantly reduced. At DIV 7-12 exosomes also selectively boost glutamatergic signaling by increasing the number of excitatory synapses. Remarkably, de-synchronization was also observed with exosomes released by glioma-associated stem cells (GASCs) from patients with low-grade glioma but not from patients with high-grade glioma, where a more variable outcome was observed. These results show that exosomes released from glioma modify the electrical properties of neuronal networks and that de-synchronization caused by exosomes from low-grade glioma can contribute to the neurological pathologies of patients with brain cancers.
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7
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Camponogara F, Zanotti F, Trentini M, Tiengo E, Zanolla I, Pishavar E, Soliani E, Scatto M, Gargiulo P, Zambito Y, De Luca S, Ferroni L, Zavan B. Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine in Italy: Brief State of the Art of the Principal Research Centers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8245. [PMID: 35897825 PMCID: PMC9368060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is the branch of medicine that effectively uses stem cell therapy and tissue engineering strategies to guide the healing or replacement of damaged tissues or organs. A crucial element is undoubtedly the biomaterial that guides biological events to restore tissue continuity. The polymers, natural or synthetic, find wide application thanks to their great adaptability. In fact, they can be used as principal components, coatings or vehicles to functionalize several biomaterials. There are many leading centers for the research and development of biomaterials in Italy. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of the art on polymer research for regenerative medicine purposes. The last five years of scientific production of the main Italian research centers has been screened to analyze the current advancement in tissue engineering in order to highlight inputs for the development of novel biomaterials and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Camponogara
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Federica Zanotti
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Martina Trentini
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Elena Tiengo
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Ilaria Zanolla
- Medical Sciences Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elham Pishavar
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Elisa Soliani
- Bioengineering Department, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK;
| | - Marco Scatto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia, Italy;
| | - Paolo Gargiulo
- Institute for Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Reykjavík University, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland;
- Department of Science, Landspítali, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Ylenia Zambito
- Chemical Department, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Stefano De Luca
- Unit of Naples, Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Letizia Ferroni
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy;
| | - Barbara Zavan
- Translational Medicine Department, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.C.); (F.Z.); (M.T.); (E.T.); (E.P.)
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8
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Cellot G, Franceschi Biagioni A, Ballerini L. Nanomedicine and graphene-based materials: advanced technologies for potential treatments of diseases in the developing nervous system. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:71-79. [PMID: 34480086 PMCID: PMC9411050 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01681-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The interest in graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) application in nanomedicine, in particular in neurology, steadily increased in the last decades. GBNs peculiar physical-chemical properties allow the design of innovative therapeutic tools able to manipulate biological structures with subcellular resolution. In this review, we report GBNs applications to the central nervous system (CNS) when these nanomaterials are engineered as potential therapeutics to treat brain pathologies, with a focus on those of the pediatric age. We revise the state-of-the art studies addressing the impact of GBNs in the CNS, showing that the design of GBNs with different dimensions and chemical compositions or the use of specific administration routes and doses can limit unwanted side effects, exploiting GBNs efficacy in therapeutic approaches. These features favor the development of GBNs-based multifunctional devices that may find applications in the field of precision medicine for the treatment of disorders in the developing CNS. In this framework, we address the suitability of GBNs to become successful therapeutic tools, such as drug nano-delivery vectors when being chemically decorated with pharmaceutical agents and/or other molecules to obtain a high specific targeting of the diseased area and to achieve a controlled release of active molecules. IMPACT: The translational potential of graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) can be used for the design of novel therapeutic approaches to treat pathologies affecting the brain with a focus on the pediatric age. GBNs can be chemically decorated with pharmaceutical agents and molecules to obtain a highly specific targeting of the diseased site and a controlled drug release. The type of GBNs, the selected functionalization, the dose, and the way of administration are factors that should be considered to potentiate the therapeutic efficacy of GBNs, limiting possible side effects. GBNs-based multifunctional devices might find applications in the precision medicine and theranostics fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Cellot
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
| | - Audrey Franceschi Biagioni
- grid.5970.b0000 0004 1762 9868Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Ballerini
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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9
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Franceschi Biagioni A, Cellot G, Pati E, Lozano N, Ballesteros B, Casani R, Coimbra NC, Kostarelos K, Ballerini L. Graphene oxide prevents lateral amygdala dysfunctional synaptic plasticity and reverts long lasting anxiety behavior in rats. Biomaterials 2021; 271:120749. [PMID: 33714913 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Engineered small graphene oxide (s-GO) sheets were previously shown to reversibly down-regulate glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus of juvenile rats, disclosing an unexpected translational potential of these nanomaterials to target selective synapses in vivo. Synapses are anatomical specializations acting in the Central Nervous System (CNS) as functional interfaces among neurons. Dynamic changes in synaptic function, named synaptic plasticity, are crucial to learning and memory. More recently, pathological mechanisms involving dysfunctional synaptic plasticity were implicated in several brain diseases, from dementia to anxiety disorders. Hyper-excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala complex (LA) is substantially involved in the storage of aversive memory induced by stressful events enabling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here we translated in PTSD animal model the ability of s-GO, when stereotaxically administered to hamper LA glutamatergic transmission and to prevent the behavioral response featured in long-term aversive memory. We propose that s-GO, by interference with glutamatergic plasticity, impair LA-dependent memory retrieval related to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Franceschi Biagioni
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giada Cellot
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Pati
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Neus Lozano
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Ballesteros
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raffaele Casani
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy & Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain; Nanomedicine Lab, National Graphene Institute and Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ballerini
- Neuron Physiology and Technology Lab, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Neuroscience, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy.
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