권현수 (광주과학기술원)

김태영 (광주과학기술원)

권현수 (광주과학기술원)

김태영 (광주과학기술원)

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) poses a significant environmental health risk, with mounting evidence demonstrating its detrimental effects on the human nervous system. While epidemiological and animal studies have provided valuable insights, the direct molecular responses of human neuronal cells remain poorly characterized, particularly regarding the modulating influence of the biological milieu. A critical but often overlooked factor is the protein corona—a dynamic layer of biomolecules that rapidly forms on PM surfaces upon contact with biological fluids. This corona fundamentally alters PM's physicochemical properties, cellular uptake mechanisms, and toxicological profiles. Despite its potentially profound influence on PM-induced biological responses, the specific role of protein corona formation in mediating proteomic alterations and neurotoxicity in human neuronal cells remains unclear, especially when distinguishing between effects from intact particles versus soluble leached components.

This study investigates PM-induced proteomic alterations in human neuroblastoma cells, specifically examining how protein corona formation differentially mediates the neurotoxic effects of PM particles versus their leachates. We employ mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to comprehensively profile protein expression changes in cells exposed to filtered PM leachate or unfiltered PM suspension, complemented by cellular viability assays to assess cytotoxicity. By elucidating the distinct molecular signatures associated with particle- and leachate-induced responses in the context of protein corona formation, this research advances our mechanistic understanding of PM neurotoxicity and provides a foundation for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets to mitigate the neurological impacts of air pollution.