Bacterial Magnetosomes Release Iron Ions and Induce Regulation of Iron Homeostasis in Endothelial Cells

Magnetosomes (MAGs) extracted from magnetotactic bacteria are well-defined membrane-enveloped single-domain magnetic nanoparticles. Due to their superior magnetic and structural properties, MAGs constitute potential materials that can be manipulated via genetic and chemical engineering for use in biomedical and biotechnological applications. However, the long-term effects exerted by MAGs on cells are of concern in the context of in vivo applications. Meanwhile, it remains relatively unclear which mechanisms are employed by cells to process and degrade MAGs. Hence, a better understanding of MAGs’ degradation and fundamental signal modulations occurring throughout this process is essential. In the current study, we investigated the potential actions of MAGs on endothelial cells over a 10-day period. MAGs were retained in cells and found to gradually gather in the lysosome-like vesicles. Meanwhile, iron-ion release was observed. Proteomics further revealed a potential cellular mechanism underlying MAGs degradation, in which a group of proteins associated with vesicle biogenesis, and lysosomal enzymes, which participate in protein hydrolysis and lipid degradation, were rapidly upregulated. Moreover, the released iron triggered the regulation of the iron metabolic profiles. However, given that the levels of cell oxidative damage were relatively stable, the released iron ions were handled by iron metabolic profiles and incorporated into normal metabolic routes. These results provide insights into the cell response to MAGs degradation that may improve their in vivo applications.