Scientists find molecular mechanism of nano-silica interference in Wnt signaling pathway

July 18th, Song Haiyun Group, Institute of Nutritional Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Fan Chunhai Group, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Research Papers Silica Nanoparticles Target a Wnt Signal Transducer for Degradation and Impair Embryonic Development in Zebrafish On Theranostics. The study found that silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) induce degradation of the signal transduction molecule Dvl of the Wnt pathway in a dose range that does not produce cytotoxicity, interfere with Wnt signal transduction and target gene expression, thereby affecting Wnt signaling pathway mediation. The important physiological and pathological processes.

The excellent properties and novelty features of nanomaterials have made it widely used in medicine, food and cosmetics. At the same time, the biological effects and biosafety of nanomaterials require a comprehensive evaluation. SiO2NPs have good biocompatibility and are therefore widely used as biological carriers. In addition, since silica is a common food additive, whether nano-sized silica can be used in the food industry is currently attracting much attention.

In this work, the researchers in the Song Haiyun group found that SiO2NPs with a dynamic diameter of 100 nm did not produce cytotoxicity, but interfered with the transmission of Wnt signaling, thereby affecting adipocyte differentiation, cancer cell migration, and zebrafish embryo development. And other biological processes. Studies have shown that SiO2NPs affect the Wnt signaling pathway in a manner similar to signaling regulators: the endocytosis of SiO2NPs by cells triggers the signaling pathway of the Wnt pathway, Dvl, to enter lysosomes and degrade, whereas other signaling molecules in the Wnt pathway are not Affected. This work has for the first time established a molecular link between nanomaterials and Wnt signaling pathways, suggesting that nanomaterials can not only act as "inert" carriers but also actively participate in the regulation of cellular functions.

The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission.

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