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Tanner MR, Huq R, Sikkema WKA, Nilewski LG, Yosef N, Schmitt C, Flores-Suarez CP, Raugh A, Laragione T, Gulko PS, Tour JM, Beeton C. Antioxidant Carbon Nanoparticles Inhibit Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte Invasiveness and Reduce Disease Severity in a Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1005. [PMID: 33081234 PMCID: PMC7602875 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species have been involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our goal was to determine the effects of selectively scavenging superoxide (O2•-) and hydroxyl radicals with antioxidant nanoparticles, called poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG-HCCs), on the pathogenic functions of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and on the progression of an animal model of RA. We used human FLS from patients with RA to determine PEG-HCC internalization and effects on FLS cytotoxicity, invasiveness, proliferation, and production of proteases. We used the pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) rat model of RA to assess the benefits of PEG-HCCs on reducing disease severity. PEG-HCCs were internalized by RA-FLS, reduced their intracellular O2•-, and reduced multiple measures of their pathogenicity in vitro, including proliferation and invasion. In PIA, PEG-HCCs caused a 65% reduction in disease severity, as measured by a standardized scoring system of paw inflammation and caused a significant reduction in bone and tissue damage, and circulating rheumatoid factor. PEG-HCCs did not induce lymphopenia during PIA. Our study demonstrated a role for O2•- and hydroxyl radicals in the pathogenesis of a rat model of RA and showed efficacy of PEG-HCCs in treating a rat model of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Tanner
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Redwan Huq
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
- Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William K. A. Sikkema
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; (W.K.A.S.); (L.G.N.)
| | - Lizanne G. Nilewski
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; (W.K.A.S.); (L.G.N.)
| | - Nejla Yosef
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
- Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cody Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
| | - Carlos P. Flores-Suarez
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
- Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Arielle Raugh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Teresina Laragione
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 11030, USA; (T.L.); (P.S.G.)
| | - Pércio S. Gulko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 11030, USA; (T.L.); (P.S.G.)
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; (W.K.A.S.); (L.G.N.)
- The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.R.T.); (R.H.); (N.Y.); (C.S.); (C.P.F.-S.); (A.R.)
- Center for Drug Discovery and Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Derry PJ, Nilewski LG, Sikkema WKA, Mendoza K, Jalilov A, Berka V, McHugh EA, Tsai AL, Tour JM, Kent TA. Catalytic oxidation and reduction reactions of hydrophilic carbon clusters with NADH and cytochrome C: features of an electron transport nanozyme. Nanoscale 2019; 11:10791-10807. [PMID: 31134256 PMCID: PMC10863654 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr00807a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Previously, our group reported on the promising efficacy of poly(ethylene glycol)-hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG-HCCs) to work as broadly active and high capacity antioxidants in brain ischemia and injury models including stroke and traumatic brain injury coupled with hemorrhagic shock. PEG-HCCs are a carbon nanomaterial derived from harsh oxidation of single wall carbon nanotubes and covalently modified with poly(ethylene glycol). They retain no tubular remnants and are composed of a highly oxidized carbon core functionalized with epoxy, peroxyl, quinone, ketone, carboxylate, and hydroxyl groups. HCCs are the redox active carbon core of PEG-HCCs, which have a broad reduction potential range starting at +200 mV and extending to -2 V. Here we describe a new property of these materials: the ability to catalytically transfer electrons between key surrogates and proteins of the mitochondrial electron transport complex in a catalytic fashion consistent with the concept of a nanozyme. The estimated reduction potential of PEG-HCCs is similar to that of ubiquinone and they enabled the catalytic transfer of electrons from low reduction potential species to higher reduction electron transport complex constituents. PEG-HCCs accelerated the reduction of resazurin (a test indicator of mitochondrial viability) and cytochrome c by NADH and ascorbic acid in solution. Kinetic experiments suggested a transient tertiary complex. Electron paramagnetic resonance demonstrated NADH increased the magnitude of PEG-HCCs' intrinsic radical, which then reduced upon subsequent addition of cytochrome c or resazurin. Deconvolution microscopy identified PEG-HCCs in close proximity to mitochondria after brief incubation with cultured SHSY-5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Compared to methylene blue (MB), considered a prototypical small molecule electron transport shuttle, PEG-HCCs were more protective against toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide in vitro and did not demonstrate impaired cell viability as did MB. PEG-HCCs were protective in vitro when cells were exposed to sodium cyanide, a mitochondrial complex IV poison. Because mitochondria are a major source of free radicals in pathology, we suggest that this newly described nanozyme action helps explain their in vivo efficacy in a range of injury models. These findings may also extend their use to mitochondrial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Derry
- Texas A&M Health Science Center Institute of
Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Neurology and Center for Translational Research in
Inflammatory Diseases, Michel E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030,
United States
| | - Lizanne G. Nilewski
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - William K. A. Sikkema
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Kimberly Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Almaz Jalilov
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Integrative
Petroleum Research, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi
Arabia, 31261
| | - Vladimir Berka
- Hematology, Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Emily A. McHugh
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Ah-Lim Tsai
- Hematology, Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, 6100 Main
Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Materials Science and
NanoEngineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United
States
| | - Thomas A. Kent
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston
Methodist Hospital and Institute of Academic Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United
States
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Nilewski L, Mendoza K, Jalilov AS, Berka V, Wu G, Sikkema WKA, Metzger A, Ye R, Zhang R, Luong DX, Wang T, McHugh E, Derry PJ, Samuel EL, Kent TA, Tsai AL, Tour JM. Highly Oxidized Graphene Quantum Dots from Coal as Efficient Antioxidants. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:16815-16821. [PMID: 30995006 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have recently been employed in various fields including medicine as antioxidants, primarily because of favorable biocompatibility in comparison to common inorganic quantum dots, although the structural features that lead to the biological activities of GQDs are poorly understood. Here, we report that coal-derived GQDs and their poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized derivatives serve as efficient antioxidants, and we evaluate their electrochemical, chemical, and in vitro biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Mendoza
- Department of Neurology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | | | - Vladimir Berka
- Hematology, Internal Medicine . University of Texas McGovern Medical School-Houston , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | - Gang Wu
- Hematology, Internal Medicine . University of Texas McGovern Medical School-Houston , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul J Derry
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology , Texas A&M Health Science Center , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | - Errol Loïc Samuel
- Department of Neurology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | - Thomas A Kent
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology , Texas A&M Health Science Center , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology and Research Institute , Houston Methodist Hospital , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | - Ah-Lim Tsai
- Hematology, Internal Medicine . University of Texas McGovern Medical School-Houston , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
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Fabian RH, Derry PJ, Rea HC, Dalmeida WV, Nilewski LG, Sikkema WKA, Mandava P, Tsai AL, Mendoza K, Berka V, Tour JM, Kent TA. Efficacy of Novel Carbon Nanoparticle Antioxidant Therapy in a Severe Model of Reversible Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke in Acutely Hyperglycemic Rats. Front Neurol 2018; 9:199. [PMID: 29686642 PMCID: PMC5900022 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While oxidative stress can be measured during transient cerebral ischemia, antioxidant therapies for ischemic stroke have been clinically unsuccessful. Many antioxidants are limited in their range and/or capacity for quenching radicals and can generate toxic intermediates overwhelming depleted endogenous protection. We developed a new antioxidant class, 40 nm × 2 nm carbon nanoparticles, hydrophilic carbon clusters, conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) termed PEG-HCCs. These particles are high-capacity superoxide dismutase mimics, are effective against hydroxyl radical, and restore the balance between nitric oxide and superoxide in the vasculature. Here, we report the effects of PEG-HCCs administered during reperfusion after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) by suture in the rat under hyperglycemic conditions. Hyperglycemia occurs in one-third of stroke patients and worsens clinical outcome. In animal models, this worsening occurs largely by accelerating elaboration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during reperfusion. METHODS PEG-HCCs were studied for their protective ability against hydrogen peroxide in b.End3 brain endothelial cell line and E17 primary cortical neuron cultures. In vivo, hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin injection 2 days before tMCAO. 58 Male Sprague-Dawley rats were analyzed. They were injected IV with PBS or PEG-HCCs (4 mg/kg 2×) at the time of recanalization after either 90- or 120-min occlusion. Rats were survived for up to 3 days, and infarct volume characteristics and neurological functional outcome (modified Bederson Score) were assessed. RESULTS PEG-HCCs were protective against hydrogen peroxide in both culture models. In vivo improvement was found after PEG-HCCs with 90-min ischemia with reduction in infarct size (42%), hemisphere swelling (46%), hemorrhage score (53%), and improvement in Bederson score (70%) (p = 0.068-0.001). Early high mortality in the 2-h in the PBS control group precluded detailed analysis, but a trend was found in improvement in all factors, e.g., reduction in infarct volume (48%; p = 0.034) and a 56% improvement in Bederson score (p = 0.055) with PEG-HCCs. CONCLUSION This nano-antioxidant showed some improvement in several outcome measures in a severe model of tMCAO when administered at a clinically relevant time point. Long-term studies and additional models are required to assess potential for clinical use, especially for patients hyperglycemic at the time of their stroke, as these patients have the worst outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderic H. Fabian
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Paul J. Derry
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Harriett Charmaine Rea
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - William V. Dalmeida
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Pitchaiah Mandava
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ah-Lim Tsai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kimberly Mendoza
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vladimir Berka
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - James M. Tour
- Departments of Chemistry, Computer Science, Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Smalley-Curl Institute and the NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas A. Kent
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Kim CY, Sikkema WKA, Kim J, Kim JA, Walter J, Dieter R, Chung HM, Mana A, Tour JM, Canavero S. Effect of Graphene Nanoribbons (TexasPEG) on locomotor function recovery in a rat model of lumbar spinal cord transection. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1440-1446. [PMID: 30106057 PMCID: PMC6108198 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A sharply transected spinal cord has been shown to be fused under the accelerating influence of membrane fusogens such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) (GEMINI protocol). Previous work provided evidence that this is in fact possible. Other fusogens might improve current results. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of PEGylated graphene nanoribons (PEG-GNR, and called “TexasPEG” when prepared as 1wt% dispersion in PEG600) versus placebo (saline) on locomotor function recovery and cellular level in a rat model of spinal cord transection at lumbar segment 1 (L1) level. In vivo and in vitro experiments (n = 10 per experiment) were designed. In the in vivo experiment, all rats were submitted to full spinal cord transection at L1 level. Five weeks later, behavioral assessment was performed using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Immunohistochemical staining with neuron marker neurofilament 200 (NF200) antibody and astrocytic scar marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was also performed in the injured spinal cord. In the in vitro experiment, the effects of TexasPEG application for 72 hours on the neurite outgrowth of SH-SY5Y cells were observed under the inverted microscope. Results of both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest that TexasPEG reduces the formation of glial scars, promotes the regeneration of neurites, and thereby contributes to the recovery of locomotor function of a rat model of spinal cord transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - William K A Sikkema
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, and The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Ah Kim
- Biomedical Omics Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - James Walter
- Research Service, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Raymond Dieter
- Research Service, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Hyung-Min Chung
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andrea Mana
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, and The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sergio Canavero
- HEAVEN/GEMINI International Collaborative Group, Turin, Italy
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Ritchie DB, Cappellano TR, Tittle C, Rezajooei N, Rouleau L, Sikkema WKA, Woodside MT. Conformational dynamics of the frameshift stimulatory structure in HIV-1. RNA 2017; 23:1376-1384. [PMID: 28522581 PMCID: PMC5558907 DOI: 10.1261/rna.061655.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) in HIV-1 is thought to be stimulated by a hairpin in the mRNA, although a pseudoknot-like triplex has also been proposed. Because the conformational dynamics of the stimulatory structure under tension applied by the ribosomal helicase during translation may play an important role in PRF, we used optical tweezers to apply tension to the HIV stimulatory structure and monitor its unfolding and refolding dynamics. The folding and unfolding kinetics and energy landscape of the hairpin were measured by ramping the force on the hairpin up and down, providing a detailed biophysical characterization. Unexpectedly, whereas unfolding reflected the simple two-state behavior typical of many hairpins, refolding was more complex, displaying significant heterogeneity. Evidence was found for multiple refolding pathways as well as previously unsuspected, partially folded intermediates. Measuring a variant mRNA containing only the sequence required to form the proposed triplex, it behaved largely in the same way. Nonetheless, very rarely, high-force unfolding events characteristic of pseudoknot-like structures were observed. The rare occurrence of the triplex suggests that the hairpin is the functional stimulatory structure. The unusual heterogeneity of the hairpin dynamics under tension suggests a possible functional role in PRF similar to the dynamics of other stimulatory structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin B Ritchie
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Tonia R Cappellano
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Collin Tittle
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Negar Rezajooei
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Logan Rouleau
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | | | - Michael T Woodside
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- National Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council, Edmonton AB T6G 2M9, Canada
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Sikkema WKA, Metzger AB, Wang T, Tour JM. Physical and electrical characterization of TexasPEG: An electrically conductive neuronal scaffold. Surg Neurol Int 2017; 8:84. [PMID: 28607818 PMCID: PMC5461561 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_361_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graphene and its derivatives have been shown to be biocompatible and electrically active materials upon which neurons readily grow. The fusogen poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been shown to improve outcomes after cervical and dorsal spinal cord transection. The long and narrow PEGylated graphene nanoribbon stacks (PEG-GNRs) with their 5 μm × 200 nm × 10 nm dimensions can provide a scaffold upon which neurons can grow and fuse. We disclose here the extensive characterization data for the PEG-GNRs. METHODS PEG-GNRs were chemically synthesized and chemically and electrically characterized. RESULTS The average aspect ratio of the PEG-GNRs was determined to be ~85, which corresponds to a critical percolation value (the point where insulating material becomes conductive by addition of conductive particles) of 1%. However, there was not a sharp increase in AC conductivity at frequencies relevant to action potentials. CONCLUSION A robust characterization of PEG-GNRs is discussed, though the precise origin of efficacy in improving outcomes following spinal cord transection is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Material Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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Huq R, Samuel ELG, Sikkema WKA, Nilewski LG, Lee T, Tanner MR, Khan FS, Porter PC, Tajhya RB, Patel RS, Inoue T, Pautler RG, Corry DB, Tour JM, Beeton C. Preferential uptake of antioxidant carbon nanoparticles by T lymphocytes for immunomodulation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33808. [PMID: 27654170 PMCID: PMC5031970 DOI: 10.1038/srep33808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases mediated by a type of white blood cell-T lymphocytes-are currently treated using mainly broad-spectrum immunosuppressants that can lead to adverse side effects. Antioxidants represent an alternative approach for therapy of autoimmune disorders; however, dietary antioxidants are insufficient to play this role. Antioxidant carbon nanoparticles scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) with higher efficacy than dietary and endogenous antioxidants. Furthermore, the affinity of carbon nanoparticles for specific cell types represents an emerging tactic for cell-targeted therapy. Here, we report that nontoxic poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG-HCCs), known scavengers of the ROS superoxide (O2•-) and hydroxyl radical, are preferentially internalized by T lymphocytes over other splenic immune cells. We use this selectivity to inhibit T cell activation without affecting major functions of macrophages, antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for T cell activation. We also demonstrate the in vivo effectiveness of PEG-HCCs in reducing T lymphocyte-mediated inflammation in delayed-type hypersensitivity and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Our results suggest the preferential targeting of PEG-HCCs to T lymphocytes as a novel approach for T lymphocyte immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases without affecting other immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Redwan Huq
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Mark R. Tanner
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Fatima S. Khan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Paul C. Porter
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Rajeev B. Tajhya
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Rutvik S. Patel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Taeko Inoue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Robia G. Pautler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - David B. Corry
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
- The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Christine Beeton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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9
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Kim CY, Sikkema WKA, Hwang IK, Oh H, Kim UJ, Lee BH, Tour JM. Spinal cord fusion with PEG-GNRs (TexasPEG): Neurophysiological recovery in 24 hours in rats. Surg Neurol Int 2016; 7:S632-6. [PMID: 27656326 PMCID: PMC5025948 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.190475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol has been developed to achieve a successful cephalosomatic anastomosis. Here, for the first time, we report the effects of locally applied water-soluble, conductive PEG(polyethylene glycol)ylated graphene nanoribbons (PEG-GNRs) on neurophysiologic conduction after sharp cervical cord transection in rats. PEG-GNRs were produced by the polymerization of ethylene oxide from anion-edged graphene nanoribbons. These combine the fusogenic potential of PEG with the electrical conducting properties of the graphene nanoribbons. METHODS Laminectomy and transection of cervical spinal cord (C5) was performed on Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After applying PEG-GNR on the severed part, electrophysiological recovery of the reconstructed cervical spinal cord was confirmed by somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) at 24 h after surgery. RESULTS While no SSEPs were detected in the control group, PEG-GNR treated group showed fast recovery of SSEPs at 24 h after the surgery. CONCLUSION In this preliminary dataset, for the first time, we report the effect of a novel form of PEG with the goal of rapid reconstruction of a sharply severed spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - In-Kyu Hwang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hanseul Oh
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Un Jeng Kim
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- The NanoCarbon Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Material Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Jalilov AS, Zhang C, Samuel EG, Sikkema WKA, Wu G, Berka V, Kent TA, Tsai AL, Tour JM. Mechanistic Study of the Conversion of Superoxide to Oxygen and Hydrogen Peroxide in Carbon Nanoparticles. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2016; 8:15086-92. [PMID: 27245481 PMCID: PMC4920082 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b03502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydrophilic carbon clusters (HCCs) are oxidized carbon nanoparticles with a high affinity for electrons. The electron accepting strength of HCCs, employing the efficient conversion of superoxide (O2(•-)) to molecular oxygen (O2) via single-electron oxidation, was monitored using cyclic voltammetry and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. We found that HCCs possess O2 reduction reaction (ORR) capabilities through a two-electron process with the formation of H2O2. By comparing results from aprotic solvents to those obtained from ORR activity in aqueous media, we propose a mechanism for the origin of the antioxidant and superoxide dismutase mimetic properties of poly(ethylene glycolated) hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG-HCCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Almaz S. Jalilov
- Department of Chemistry, The NanoCarbon Center, and Department of
Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice
University, 6100 Main
Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Chenhao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The NanoCarbon Center, and Department of
Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice
University, 6100 Main
Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Errol
L. G. Samuel
- Department of Chemistry, The NanoCarbon Center, and Department of
Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice
University, 6100 Main
Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - William K. A. Sikkema
- Department of Chemistry, The NanoCarbon Center, and Department of
Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice
University, 6100 Main
Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Gang Wu
- Hematology, Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Vladimir Berka
- Hematology, Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Thomas A. Kent
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases,
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, and Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ah-Lim Tsai
- Hematology, Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- E-mail:
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, The NanoCarbon Center, and Department of
Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice
University, 6100 Main
Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- E-mail:
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11
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Abstract
Anti-icing and deicing are the two major pathways for suppressing adhesion of ice on surfaces, yet materials with dual capabilities are rare. In this work, we have designed a perfluorododecylated graphene nanoribbon (FDO-GNR) film that takes advantage of both the low polarizability of perfluorinated carbons and the intrinsic conductive nature of graphene nanoribbons. The FDO-GNR films are superhydrophobic with a sheet resistance below 8 kΩ·sq(-1) and then exhibit an anti-icing property that prevents freezing of incoming ice-cold water down to -14 °C. After that point, voltage can be applied to the films to resistively heat and deice the surface. Further a lubricating liquid can be employed to create a slippery surface to improve the film's deicing performance. The FDO-GNR films can be easily switched between the superhydrophobic anti-icing mode and the slippery deicing mode by applying the lubricant. A spray-coating method makes it suitable for large-scale applications. The anti-icing and deicing properties render the FDO-GNR films with promise for use in extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Wang
- Department of Chemistry, ‡The NanoCarbon Center, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Yonghao Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, ‡The NanoCarbon Center, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Abdul-Rahman O Raji
- Department of Chemistry, ‡The NanoCarbon Center, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Yilun Li
- Department of Chemistry, ‡The NanoCarbon Center, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - William K A Sikkema
- Department of Chemistry, ‡The NanoCarbon Center, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, ‡The NanoCarbon Center, §Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University , 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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12
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Lu W, You R, Yuan X, Yang T, Samuel ELG, Marcano DC, Sikkema WKA, Tour JM, Rodriguez A, Kheradmand F, Corry DB. The microRNA miR-22 inhibits the histone deacetylase HDAC4 to promote T(H)17 cell-dependent emphysema. Nat Immunol 2015; 16:1185-94. [PMID: 26437241 PMCID: PMC4597310 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Smoking-related emphysema is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by the T(H)17 subset of helper T cells through molecular mechanisms that remain obscure. Here we explored the role of the microRNA miR-22 in emphysema. We found that miR-22 was upregulated in lung myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) of smokers with emphysema and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of mice exposed to smoke or nanoparticulate carbon black (nCB) through a mechanism that involved the transcription factor NF-κB. Mice deficient in miR-22, but not wild-type mice, showed attenuated T(H)17 responses and failed to develop emphysema after exposure to smoke or nCB. We further found that miR-22 controlled the activation of APCs and T(H)17 responses through the activation of AP-1 transcription factor complexes and the histone deacetylase HDAC4. Thus, miR-22 is a critical regulator of both emphysema and T(H)17 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Lu
- Department of Pathology &Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ran You
- Department of Pathology &Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Yuan
- Department of Pathology &Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tianshu Yang
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Antony Rodriguez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Farrah Kheradmand
- Department of Pathology &Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Biology of Inflammation Center and the Michael E. DeBakey Virginia Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David B Corry
- Department of Pathology &Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Biology of Inflammation Center and the Michael E. DeBakey Virginia Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, Texas, USA
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13
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Sikkema WKA, Strikwerda A, Sharma M, Assi K, Salh B, Cox ME, Mills J. Regulation of mitotic cytoskeleton dynamics and cytokinesis by integrin-linked kinase in retinoblastoma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98838. [PMID: 24911651 PMCID: PMC4049663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
During cell division integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has been shown to regulate microtubule dynamics and centrosome clustering, processes involved in cell cycle progression, and malignant transformation. In this study, we examine the effects of downregulating ILK on mitotic function in human retinoblastoma cell lines. These retinal cancer cells, caused by the loss of function of two gene alleles (Rb1) that encode the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor, have elevated expression of ILK. Here we show that inhibition of ILK activity results in a concentration-dependent increase in nuclear area and multinucleated cells. Moreover, inhibition of ILK activity and expression increased the accumulation of multinucleated cells over time. In these cells, aberrant cytokinesis and karyokinesis correlate with altered mitotic spindle organization, decreased levels of cortical F-actin and centrosome de-clustering. Centrosome de-clustering, induced by ILK siRNA, was rescued in FLAG-ILK expressing Y79 cells as compared to those expressing FLAG-tag alone. Inhibition of ILK increased the proportion of cells exhibiting mitotic spindles and caused a significant G2/M arrest as early as 24 hours after exposure to QLT-0267. Live cell analysis indicate ILK downregulation causes an increase in multipolar anaphases and failed cytokinesis (bipolar and multipolar) of viable cells. These studies extend those indicating a critical function for ILK in mitotic cytoskeletal organization and describe a novel role for ILK in cytokinesis of Rb deficient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- William K. A. Sikkema
- Department of Biology, Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Arend Strikwerda
- Department of Biology, Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Manju Sharma
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kiran Assi
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Baljinder Salh
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael E. Cox
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julia Mills
- Department of Biology, Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
- Adjunct, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- External Associate Member, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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