Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Promote YAP/TAZ Nuclear Localization in Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells

Vincent Laiman, Didik Setyo Heriyanto, Yueh Lun Lee, Ching Huang Lai, Chih Hong Pan, Wei Liang Chen, Chung Ching Wang, Kai Jen Chuang, Jer Hwa Chang, Hsiao Chi Chuang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We investigated roles of Hippo signaling pathway components in alveolar type II cells (AECII) after zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) exposure. ZnONPs physicochemistry was characterized using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. ZnONP deposition in human respiratory tract was estimated using multiplepath particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. MLE-12 AECII were cultured and exposed to 0, 1, and 5 µg/mL of ZnONPs for 24 h. Western blots were used to investigate signaling pathways associated with Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), cell adherens junctions, differentiation, and senescence. ZnONPs morphology was irregular, with Zn and O identified. Approximately 72% of inhaled ZnONPs were deposited in lungs, with 26% being deposited in alveolar regions. ZnONP exposure increased nuclear YAP expression and decreased cytoplasmic YAP expression by AECII. Adherens junction proteins, E-cadherin, α-catenin, and βcatenin, on AECII decreased after ZnONP exposure. ZnONP exposure of AECII increased alveolar type I (AECI) transition protein, LGALS3, and the AECI protein, T1α, while decreasing AECII SPC expression. ZnONP exposure induced Sirt1 and p53 senescence proteins by AECII. Our findings showed that inhalable ZnONPs can deposit in alveoli, which promotes YAP nuclear localization in AECII, resulting in decrease tight junctions, cell differentiation, and cell senescence.

Original languageEnglish
Article number334
JournalATMOSPHERE
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Hippo pathway
  • Lung deposition
  • Nanoparticle
  • Physicochemistry
  • Senescence
  • Welding fumes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)

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