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Genetic research

Exposure to Air Pollution Derived Ultrafine Particles Alters Gene Transcription by Epigenetic Mechanisms

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Exposure to air pollution-derived ultrafine particles has been shown to alter gene transcription by epigenetic mechanisms, resulting in changes to cellular survival. A new study led by the University of Eastern Finland has constructed an integrative network combining RNA sequencing, microRNA sequencing, and DNA methylation analysis to investigate gene regulatory mechanisms induced by ultrafine particles in human cells. The study provides molecular-level evidence of the impairment of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway induced by exposure to ultrafine particles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that exposure to ultrafine particles alters gene transcription by epigenetic mechanisms, affecting cellular survival.
  • The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, a master regulator of cellular growth and survival, was impaired by exposure to ultrafine particles.
  • The study constructed an integrative network combining RNA sequencing, microRNA sequencing, and DNA methylation analysis to investigate gene regulatory mechanisms induced by ultrafine particles in human cells.
  • The responses of AD cells deviated from the responses of healthy control cells, suggesting that cells derived from individuals with AD are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of ultrafine particle exposure.
  • The study provides molecular-level evidence of the mechanism by which ultrafine particles influence gene regulation in human olfactory mucosa cells.
  • The findings of the study have implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of how environmental stressors shape bodily responses, and how this can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Statistics:

  • The study used a physiologically relevant human-based in-vitro model of the olfactory mucosa, generated from cells obtained from voluntary donors.
  • The study explored molecular-level mechanisms of how traffic-derived ultrafine particles influence gene regulation in human olfactory mucosa cells.
  • The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway was found to be impairment by exposure to ultrafine particles.
  • Many genes related to cell cycle and apoptosis were affected, with no notable cell death.
  • The study suggests possible adaptation mechanisms that olfactory cells may have against environmental insults such as ultrafine particles.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews, "Exposure to air pollution derived ultrafine particles alters gene transcription by epigenetic mechanisms, a new study shows"
  • Environment International, "Ultrafine particles induce epigenetic changes in gene transcription in human olfactory mucosa cells" [1]
  • University of Eastern Finland [2]
  • Horizon 2020 program of the European Union [3]
  • Kuopio Area Respiratory Foundation, Finnish Brain Foundation, Yrjo Jahnsson Foundation, Paivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, and Finnish Cultural Foundation's North Savo Regional Fund, and Kuopio University Foundation [4]

References:

[1] Environment International, "Ultrafine particles induce epigenetic changes in gene transcription in human olfactory mucosa cells", published in Environment International.

[2] University of Eastern Finland, official website.

[3] Horizon 2020 program of the European Union, official website.

[4] Various funding sources listed in the article.

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