Graphene oxide molecules interacting with human cells.

Graphene Oxide's Hidden Impact: How Nanomaterials Affect Your Cells

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the secrets of graphene oxide toxicity and what it means for future medical applications."

Graphene oxide (GO) is a material with great potential in cancer treatment. However, like many powerful tools, it comes with risks. Scientists are working hard to understand exactly how GO interacts with our bodies at a cellular level. This understanding is crucial for safely harnessing its benefits.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in regulating gene expression after genes are transcribed into RNA. Disruptions in these processes can lead to various health issues. Simultaneously, transcription factors (TFs) regulate when genes are transcribed in the first place. Both must be balanced for cells to function correctly.

New research has mapped out the complex relationships between miRNAs, target genes, and TFs when cells are exposed to GO. By creating a network of these interactions, scientists hope to pinpoint the exact mechanisms by which GO can be toxic and how to mitigate these effects.

Decoding GO's Impact: A Network of Molecular Interactions

Graphene oxide molecules interacting with human cells.

Researchers analyzed existing data from studies where human cancer cells were treated with GO. They compiled a list of miRNAs and genes that responded to GO exposure. Then, they built a network showing how these molecules interact with each other, including the roles of transcription factors.

This network revealed a specific pattern called a 'miRNA-FFL' (feed-forward loop) as a significant motif. This means that a miRNA controls a transcription factor, and both work together to regulate a specific gene. By focusing on these miRNA-FFLs, the researchers could narrow down the most important pathways affected by GO.

Adherens Junctions: Critical for cell-to-cell adhesion and tissue stability.
Focal Adhesion: Essential for cells to attach to their surroundings and move.
TGFβ Signaling: Involved in cell growth, differentiation, and immune responses.

These pathways are known to be disrupted in cells exposed to GO. Further investigation showed that miRNAs might control apoptosis (programmed cell death) by interfering with cell adhesion. The study also suggests that GO can affect genes like Rac1 and RhoA, which are crucial for building the cell's cytoskeleton.

The Future of GO: Balancing Benefits and Risks

This research provides valuable insights into how GO interacts with cells at a molecular level. This deeper understanding is crucial for developing GO-based therapies that are both effective and safe.

While GO holds great promise, especially in cancer treatment, scientists must continue to investigate its potential toxic effects. By understanding the mechanisms of GO toxicity, researchers can design strategies to minimize harm and maximize the benefits of this powerful nanomaterial.

Further studies are needed to fully understand how GO interacts with the body's complex systems. This knowledge will pave the way for responsible development and application of GO in medicine and other fields.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/17435390.2018.1513090, Alternate LINK

Title: Deciphering The Transcription Factor-Microrna-Target Gene Regulatory Network Associated With Graphene Oxide Cytotoxicity

Subject: Toxicology

Journal: Nanotoxicology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Masoumeh Farahani, Mostafa Rezaei–Tavirani, Hakimeh Zali, Afsaneh Arefi Oskouie, Meisam Omidi, Alireza Lashay

Published: 2018-10-16

Everything You Need To Know

How does graphene oxide actually affect cells?

Graphene oxide, or GO, impacts cells by disrupting critical pathways such as Adherens Junctions, Focal Adhesion, and TGFβ Signaling. These disruptions can interfere with cell adhesion and potentially control apoptosis (programmed cell death). GO can also affect genes like Rac1 and RhoA, which are vital for the cell's cytoskeleton.

What roles do microRNAs and transcription factors play in graphene oxide toxicity?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression after genes are transcribed into RNA, while transcription factors (TFs) regulate when genes are transcribed in the first place. When cells are exposed to graphene oxide, the balance between miRNAs, target genes, and TFs is disrupted, leading to potential health issues. Understanding these complex interactions is essential for mitigating GO's toxic effects.

What is a 'miRNA-FFL,' and why is it important in understanding graphene oxide's effects?

A 'miRNA-FFL' (feed-forward loop) is a specific pattern where a miRNA controls a transcription factor, and both work together to regulate a specific gene. This is significant because research revealed this pattern as a major element in how graphene oxide impacts cells. By focusing on these miRNA-FFLs, scientists can pinpoint the most important pathways affected by GO, helping to develop targeted therapies and reduce toxicity.

How does this research on graphene oxide's impact contribute to future medical treatments?

This research contributes to the development of safer and more effective graphene oxide-based therapies. By understanding how GO interacts with cells at a molecular level, scientists can minimize toxic effects while maximizing the potential benefits, particularly in cancer treatment and other medical applications. Further studies may explore how to modify GO to enhance its therapeutic properties while reducing its harmful impacts on cellular processes and overall health.

What are Adherens Junctions, Focal Adhesion, and TGFβ Signaling, and why is their disruption by graphene oxide a concern?

Adherens Junctions are critical for cell-to-cell adhesion and tissue stability. Focal Adhesion is essential for cells to attach to their surroundings and move, while TGFβ Signaling is involved in cell growth, differentiation, and immune responses. Disruption of these pathways by graphene oxide is a concern because it affects vital cellular functions, potentially leading to cell damage or disease. Understanding how GO interacts with these pathways is important for assessing its safety in medical applications.