Modulation of NF-kappa B pathway by Gold Nanoparticles in in-vitro cell models

Abstract

<p>The transcription factor NF-KB has been shown to orchestrate a wide spectrum of cell, tissue and organ level responses. Almost all cells express NF-KB, which can be activated or inhibited in response to over 200 chemical, physiological and environmental stimuli. Gold compounds (for instance, aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose) have been shown to block the activity of IKB kinase, through their interaction with a cysteine residue on the enzyme, leading to inhibition of NF-KB activation. Since gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) also have an affinity for thiol groups, this study hypothesizes that the metal sensitive IKB kinase can act as a potential target for Au-NPs to bind and modulate the activity of NF-KB. This study aims at providing a better understanding of how Au-NPs affect the NF-KB signaling pathway using a murine B-cell line as the model system. Transfection assays using 3X-NF-KB luciferase-reporter plasmid, suggested that 10nm Au-NPs (0.05, 0.5 and 5 Ilg/ml) upregulate the activity of NF-KB in B cells. These results indicate that the function of B cells and perhaps other cells systems could potentially be compromised by Au-NPs. With the ever expanding list of biomedical applications such as biosensors and real time monitoring of the cellular environment, it is important to assess the impact of Au-NPs on cellular functions.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>