Graphene oxide, shown in orange, successfully penetrates yeast cells and mitigates the harmful effects of protein aggregates, depicted in light grey, by encouraging their disintegration and eventual degradation. A study led by scientists at Chalmers University of Technology employed a yeast model that simulates the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on human brain neurons to validate this. Additionally, although not illustrated, graphene oxide therapy also modifies cellular metabolism to enhance resilience against stress. Credit goes to Chalmers University of Technology and Katharina Merl.
The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is often associated with the buildup of molecular entities known as amyloid peptides, which lead to cellular death and are frequently detected in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have discovered that yeast cells burdened with these aberrant amyloid peptides can recover when exposed to nanoflakes of graphene oxide.
Alzheimer’s disease is an untreatable neurological condition resulting in dementia and fatality, causing hardship for both the afflicted individuals and their families. It is projected that over 40 million individuals globally are grappling with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. As reported by Alzheimer’s News Today, the estimated worldwide financial burden of these conditions approximates one percent of the global GDP.
The improper folding and aggregation of amyloid-beta peptides, abbreviated as Aβ peptides, in the brain are posited to be the fundamental cause of Alzheimer’s disease. This results in a cascade of detrimental processes in neurons or brain cells, culminating in the impairment or loss of critical cellular functions and ultimately contributing to cognitive decline. Currently, there are no effective methods for treating the accumulation of these peptides in the brain.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have demonstrated that the application of graphene oxide lessens the concentrations of these harmful amyloid aggregates in a yeast-based cellular model.
“The newly discovered impact of graphene oxide has also been validated by other research groups, albeit not in yeast cells,” states Xin Chen, a Systems Biology Researcher at Chalmers and the study’s primary author. “Our research further elucidates the underlying mechanism: Graphene oxide modifies cellular metabolism in a manner that enhances resistance to aberrant proteins and oxidative stress, a finding not previously documented.”
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Proteins and Peptides
Proteins and peptides are molecular structures composed of amino acids. Peptides are the smaller counterparts, typically comprising fewer than 50 amino acids and possessing a less complex structure. Both types of molecules can become misshapen when incorrectly folded during their synthesis within the cell. When a significant number of amyloid-beta peptides accumulate in the brain, they form aggregates, which are then categorized as proteins.
Mechanisms and Experimentation
In Alzheimer’s disease, the aggregated amyloids disrupt cellular metabolic processes, inducing stress within the endoplasmic reticulum, a cellular component responsible for protein synthesis. This diminished ability to manage misfolded proteins exacerbates their accumulation. Moreover, these aggregates compromise the functionality of mitochondria, the cellular energy generators, leading to elevated oxidative stress, to which brain cells are especially susceptible.
To study this, the Chalmers research team performed a combination of proteomic analysis and follow-up experiments, utilizing baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a living model for human cells. Both types of cells have similar systems for protein quality control.
“Our yeast cell model mimics neurons impacted by the aggregation of amyloid-beta42, the form most inclined towards aggregation,” explains Xin Chen. “These cells age more rapidly, exhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and produce increased levels of harmful reactive oxygen radicals.”
The Promise of Graphene Oxide Nanoflakes
Graphene oxide nanoflakes are 2D carbon nanomaterials with exceptional attributes like excellent conductivity and a high level of biocompatibility. They are extensively utilized in various scientific endeavors, including cancer treatment development, drug delivery systems, and biosensors.
These nanoflakes are water-soluble and interact well with biomolecules like proteins. When introduced into living cells, graphene oxide interferes with the protein self-assembly processes.
“Consequently, it inhibits the development of protein aggregates and encourages the disassembly of existing ones,” states Santosh Pandit, another Systems Biology Researcher at Chalmers and a co-author of the study. “We propose that the nanoflakes operate through two separate pathways to alleviate the toxic repercussions of amyloid-beta42 in yeast cells.”
In one mechanism, graphene oxide directly precludes the buildup of amyloid-beta42. In the other, it indirectly activates specific stress response genes, thereby enhancing the cell’s resilience to misfolded proteins and oxidative stress.
Future Outlook
The application of graphene oxide in the treatment of Alzheimer’s remains a subject for future studies. However, the research team at Chalmers is optimistic about its potential in the domain of neurodegenerative diseases. They have already demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the toxic impacts of protein aggregates associated with Huntington’s disease in another yeast model.
“The forthcoming steps include investigating the feasibility of crafting a graphene oxide-based drug delivery system for Alzheimer’s,” says Xin Chen. “We also intend to assess its beneficial effects on other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.”
The study, conducted in the Mijakovic laboratory at the Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology at Chalmers University of Technology and at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), has been supported by various grants including those from Vinnova Center CellNova, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant, and the Swedish Research Council.
Reference: “Graphene Oxide Attenuates Toxicity of Amyloid-β Aggregates in Yeast by Promoting Disassembly and Boosting Cellular Stress Response” authored by Xin Chen, Santosh Pandit, Lei Shi, Vaishnavi Ravikumar, Julie Bonne Køhler, Ema Svetlicic, Zhejian Cao, Abhroop Garg, Dina Petranovic and Ivan Mijakovic, published on 07 July 2023 in Advanced Functional Materials.
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202304053
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Graphene Oxide in Alzheimer’s Treatment
What is the main focus of the research conducted by Chalmers University of Technology?
The primary aim of the research is to explore the potential of graphene oxide nanoflakes in reducing the toxicity of amyloid peptides. The study employs a yeast model that simulates the neurons affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
How does graphene oxide work in reducing amyloid peptide toxicity?
Graphene oxide nanoflakes enter yeast cells and mitigate the toxic effects of amyloid peptides by promoting their disassembly and degradation. Furthermore, graphene oxide alters the cells’ metabolism, enhancing their ability to cope with stress.
What is the significance of using a yeast model for the study?
The yeast model was used because its cells have systems for controlling protein quality that are very similar to those in human neurons. This makes the yeast model an appropriate in vivo analog for studying processes that might affect human neurons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Are there any implications for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases?
Yes, the research team has already demonstrated that graphene oxide also reduces the toxic effects of protein aggregates specific to Huntington’s disease in a yeast model. This suggests that graphene oxide could have broader applications in treating various neurodegenerative diseases.
How is the research funded?
The study is supported by grants from the Vinnova Center CellNova, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant, and the Swedish Research Council.
What is the next step in this research?
The next phase involves investigating the possibility of developing a drug delivery system based on graphene oxide specifically for Alzheimer’s disease. The research team is also interested in testing the effects of graphene oxide in additional models of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease.
What is the estimated global impact of Alzheimer’s and related dementias?
It is estimated that over 40 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia. The global cost of these diseases is approximately one percent of the global gross domestic product.
Who are the authors and collaborators of this study?
The study was carried out by Xin Chen, Santosh Pandit, Lei Shi, Zhejian Cao, Dina Petranovic, and Ivan Mijakovic at Chalmers University of Technology, along with collaborators at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
How does amyloid peptide accumulation affect cells?
Amyloid peptide accumulation leads to a series of harmful processes in neurons, including cell death and the loss of various vital cellular functions. This, in turn, results in the loss of brain function in the affected areas.
How does graphene oxide affect cellular metabolism?
Graphene oxide influences the metabolism of cells in a manner that increases their resistance to misfolded proteins and oxidative stress, thus enhancing their capacity to cope with such challenges.
More about Graphene Oxide in Alzheimer’s Treatment
- Chalmers University of Technology Research Publications
- Alzheimer’s News Today: Global Impact Statistics
- Advanced Functional Materials Journal: Study DOI
- Vinnova Center CellNova: Funding Information
- Novo Nordisk Foundation: Grant Details
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant: Research Support
- Swedish Research Council: Funding Contributions
- Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Research Collaboration
8 comments
Wow, this is mind-blowing stuff. Graphene oxide doing wonders again! can’t wait to see where this research leads.
As someone who has a family history of Alzheimer’s, news like this gives me hope. Waiting for more updates!
What I’m curious about is the long term effects of introducing graphene oxide into the human body. any info on that?
this sounds like sci-fi but it’s real. Anyone know how close they are to human trials? Desperately waiting for a cure here.
This could change lives. If they can apply this to other neuro diseases too, it’d be a game-changer for sure.
Is it just me or does the funding from these big foundations actually make a difference? Kudos to the team for securing those grants.
This is huge! Alzheimer’s has been such a puzzle for scientists, and finally, we might be onto something. keep it up, Chalmers University!
I’m skeptical but intrigued. Graphene oxide sounds like it’s doing amazing things in the lab, but let’s see it in real-world applications.