Zinc oxide nanoparticles promote migrasomes formation

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Jun 15:490:137792. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137792. Epub 2025 Feb 28.

Abstract

The rising pollution from zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) poses significant global concerns due to their widespread environmental presence and potential negative effects on human health. This study explores how ZnO-NPs impact migrasomes formation, a crucial process for cellular migration and communication. Our findings indicate that 28 nm ZnO-NPs enhance migrasomes formation, correlating with increased levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] and GTP-RhoA-essential molecules in migrasomes biogenesis. Additionally, ZnO-NPs help alleviate mitochondrial damage caused by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) through mitocytosis, which removes dysfunctional mitochondria, thereby preserving cellular integrity. The migrasomes induced by ZnO-NPs were found to contain various cellular components, including mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid droplets, and the ZnO-NPs themselves. These results underscore the role of ZnO-NPs in promoting migrasomes formation and protecting mitochondrial function, revealing significant implications for cellular behavior, therapeutic applications, and environmental and health safety.

Keywords: Lysosome; Migrasomes; Mitochondrion; PI(4,5)P2; ZnO-NPs.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / toxicity
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Zinc Oxide* / chemistry
  • Zinc Oxide* / toxicity

Substances

  • Zinc Oxide