SiO2 Nanoparticles Modulate The Electrical Activity Of Neuroendocrine Cells Without Exerting Genomic Effects

Different electrophysiological approaches are combined with a genomic screening in order to analyze, in GT1-7 neuroendocrine cells, the impact of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs; 503nm in diameter) on electrical activity and gene expression. It is found that 20 µg mL-1 NPs induce depolarization of the membrane potential, with a modulation of the firing of action potentials. Recordings of electrical activity with Multielectrode Arrays provide further evidence that the NPs evoke a temporary increase in firing frequency, without affecting the functional behaviour on a longer time scale (hours). Finally, NPs incubation up to 24 h does not induce any change in gene expression Overall design: Transcriptome profiling by high-throughput sequencing of NP-treated cells at various timepoints