Epigenetische effecten geïnduceerd door nanomaterialen.

The exposure to manufactured nanomaterials is one of the safety issues to be tackled in the near future. Inhalation of fine particles and nanomaterials has been associated with fibrotic and genotoxic effects in the pulmonary epithelium. The underlying mechanisms behind still remain to be clarified. In this project we will mainly focus on changes in DNA methylation patterns and microRNAs expression in relation to exposure to nanoparticles. Different types and forms of nanomaterials will be considered: spherical gold particles of different sizes, nano-titanium dioxide, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. Genotoxicity, DNA methylation and microRNAs expression will be assessed in epithelial cell cultures upon exposure to several types of nanomaterial. We will also evaluate methylation of specific genes involved. We will conduct a limited number of in vivo studies in mice and humans to verify the relevance of the in vitro findings. We will elucidate the mechanisms and influence of physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials on induced genotoxic and epigenetic effects, and the recovery. Additionally, important information on recovery from epigenetic changes will be obtained. Finally, the current project might possibly contribute to the detection of new biomarkers for exposure to nanomaterials and their effects.

Trefwoorden:Environment, DNA damage, Nanostructure, Genetic, Cancer, Epigenesis