Reduced lysosomal activity and increased amyloid beta accumulation in silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles-treated microglia

Background: Nanoparticles have been used in neurological research in recent years because of their blood-brain barrier penetration activity. However, their potential neuronanotoxicity remains a concern. In particular, microglia, which are resident phagocytic cells, are mainly exposed to nanoparticles in the brain. Methods We investigated the changes in lysosomal function in silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles containing rhodamine B isothiocyanate dye [MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)]-treated BV2 murine microglial cells. In addition, we analyzed amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation and molecular changes through the integration of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics (triple-omics) analyses. Results Aβ accumulation significantly increased in the 0.1 µg/µl MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)-treated BV2 cells compared to the untreated control and 0.01 µg/µl MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)-treated BV2 cells. Moreover, the MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)-treated BV2 cells showed lysosomal swelling, a dose-dependent reduction in proteolytic activity, and an increase in lysosomal swelling- and autophagy-related protein levels. Moreover, proteasome activity decreased in the MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)-treated BV2 cells, followed by a concomitant reduction in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). By employing triple-omics and a machine learning algorithm, we generated an integrated single molecular network including reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagy, lysosomal storage disease, and amyloidosis. In silico analysis of the single triple omics network predicted an increase in ROS, suppression of autophagy, and aggravation of lysosomal storage disease and amyloidosis in the MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)-treated BV2 cells. Aβ accumulation and lysosomal swelling in the cells were alleviated by co-treatment with glutathione (GSH) and citrate. Conclusions These findings suggest that MNPs@SiO 2 (RITC)-induced reduction in lysosomal activity and proteasomes can be recovered by GSH and citrate treatment. These results also highlight the relationship between nanotoxicity and Aβ accumulation.