Epigenetic mechanism analysis of placental trophoblast syncytialization suppression by nanomaterial

Abstract

Nanomaterials are particles with 100 nm or less diameter. There have been concerns about their unexpected biological responses due to their use in daily or medical supplies. Hence, the risk analysis of nanomaterials to the people who are vulnerable to exposure to chemicals, like pregnant women, is in need. From this viewpoint, based on our research, which shows that silver nanoparticles with a diameter of 10 nm (nAg10) suppressed the trophoblast syncytialization during the pregnancy process, we attempted to elucidate their mechanism. Based on the report that nanomaterials can cause epigenetic changes, and the report that histone acetylation regulates syncytializaiton, we aim to address the mechanism of suppression on the syncytialization by nAg10 from the epigenetic point of view. First, we analyzed the effect of nAg10 on the activity of HDAC1 and HDAC2. Results derived that nAg10 might decrease the activity of HDAC1 and HDAC2. Then, BeWo, a human choriocarcinoma cell line, was co-treated with forskolin, syncytialization-inducing reagent, and nAg10. Western blotting suggested that no significant changes in HADC1 expression. Currently, we are evaluating the effect of nAg10 on HDAC activity in vitro.