Nanoparticles can damage DNA at distance

Nanoparticles can damage the DNA of cells from a distance, even without crossing the cellular barriers that protect certain parts of the body

Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5A44FR20091105

In Nature Nanotechnology – paper available from GNTIS

Abstract

The increasing use of nanoparticles in medicine has raised concerns over their ability to gain access to privileged sites in the body. Here, we show that cobalt–chromium nanoparticles (29.5  6.3 nm in diameter) can damage human fibroblast cells across an intact cellular barrier without having to cross the barrier. The damage is mediated by a novel mechanism involving transmission of purine nucleotides (such as ATP) and intercellular signalling within the barrier through connexin gap junctions or hemichannels and pannexin channels. The outcome, which includes DNA damage without significant cell death, is different from that observed in cells subjected to direct exposure to nanoparticles. Our results suggest the importance of indirect effects when evaluating the safety of nanoparticles. The potential damage to tissues located behind cellular barriers needs to be considered when using nanoparticles for targeting diseased states.