Electromagnetized Graphene Facilitates Direct Lineage Reprogramming into Dopaminergic Neurons

Abstract

Graphene is a carbon nanomaterial that has unique characteristics, including ballistic conduction, thermal and electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility. It is emerging as a promising tool for controlling various cell behaviors, such as viability, development, and differentiation. Here, it is reported that the magnetized graphene nanosheets facilitate direct lineage reprogramming of induced dopaminergic (iDA) neurons. The graphene nanosheets are exposed to specific intensities and frequencies of electromagnetic fields, which lead to the accumulation of histone acetylation, including H3K27ac and H4K12ac, for the robust direct reprogramming of DA neurons. Remarkably, electromagnetized graphene nanosheet-mediated in vivo reprogramming significantly enhances the generation of iDA neurons in the mouse models of Parkinson's disease (PD), which efficiently ameliorate PD symptoms. Taken together, the results provide evidence that magnetized graphene can be used as a novel therapeutic application for PD which expands the applications of graphene as biomaterials for regenerative therapeutics.