FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Researchers Develop Groundbreaking Microparticles to Advance Understanding of Protein Degradation and Immune Cell Dynamics

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, a novel method for investigating protein degradation in immune cells has emerged. This technique utilizes engineered microparticles, which significantly enhances the ability to track and analyze the degradation processes compared to traditional methods. This advancement could have critical implications in understanding and potentially treating a wide array of diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and autoimmune disorders.

The team published their findings in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The research aims to provide a deeper insight into the cellular processes known as phagocytosis, where cells engulf and digest tissue debris or pathogens. Jingjiao Guan, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and co-author of the paper, highlights that our current understanding of how cells manage the ingestion and elimination of such materials is still limited. The hope is that this research will offer a new tool for scientists to elucidate these complex biological processes.

Central to this investigative work is the focus on phagosomes, specialized compartments within immune cells charged with degrading engulfed particles such as pathogens or dead cells. Despite their vital role in the immune response, the exact mechanisms governing the degradation of proteins and peptides within phagosomes have remained a mystery. The technology developed by Guan’s lab introduces engineered microparticles embedded with fluorescent markers that facilitate real-time observations of their breakdown and transformation into phagosome-derived vesicles, or PDVs. This novel approach presents unparalleled insights into how immune cells process and manage proteins and peptides.

Traditionally, research on phagocytosis has relied heavily on the use of small plastic or silica beads coated with proteins or peptides. Although these approaches have provided valuable information, they also have inherent limitations. One significant drawback is that each bead generally can only hold a single layer of protein or peptide, restricting the complexity of the analysis. Moreover, the beads primarily function as mere substrates for the proteins rather than exhibiting behaviors akin to living biological structures.

The innovative microparticles created by Guan’s lab mimic real biological structures more closely, allowing for a multifaceted approach to studying protein interaction and degradation. These engineered particles can encapsulate various proteins or peptides alongside other materials within a meticulously crafted layered structure. This design is crucial for recreating the intricate composition and organization similar to those naturally occurring in biological particles, thereby broadening the scope of the research.

Utilizing cutting-edge microfabrication techniques, the researchers combined proteins and peptides with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) or PNIPAM to develop these microparticles. Notably, PNIPAM is a polymer known for its unique responsive properties, which render it especially effective for tracking and modulating microparticle activities under varying thermal conditions. Combining this polymer with biological materials results in organized structures that can be effectively processed by immune cells, thus providing unprecedented opportunities to study the underlying mechanisms of cellular degradation.

The ramifications of this research extend beyond academia and reach into various medical fields. Understanding how proteins are metabolized within immune cells is crucial to addressing myriad diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and various forms of cancer. By demonstrating a novel method for analyzing protein degradation, the researchers not only enhance the understanding of immune responses but also lay the groundwork for developing potential therapeutic strategies tailored to these conditions.

Among the promising future directions for this research is its application to Alzheimer’s disease. The research team plans to further explore the degradation processes of the amyloid beta peptide, a protein almost universally acknowledged as being linked to Alzheimer’s pathology. By employing their engineered microparticles in these studies, the team hopes to glean meaningful insights into how the disease progresses and to identify specific targets for therapeutic intervention.

This work exemplifies a successful interdisciplinary collaboration between the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the FSU College of Medicine. Dr. Yi Ren, a co-author from the College of Medicine, reflects on the value of this partnership, noting that the integration of engineering and medical research significantly enhances the understanding of complex disease mechanisms. The researchers are optimistic about applying for grants to expand their investigations into other diseases related to the immune system.

The versatility of the engineered microparticles allows for their application across a wide range of biological materials, as they can utilize any protein or peptide that can be dissolved in water. This flexibility opens the door to conduct comprehensive comparative studies analyzing how different immune cell types degrade various proteins and peptides within their phagosomes, a capability that was previously unattainable. With these advancements, the researchers are confident in their ability to further refine their techniques while exploring additional therapeutic applications.

The collaborative efforts among the researchers, along with their innovative approach to investigating cellular behaviors, pave the way for substantial contributions to the understanding and treatment of immune and neurodegenerative disorders. Each step further taken in this research may transform not only our grasp of these illnesses but also how we design interventions that could mitigate their impacts on patients’ lives. The excitement surrounding this study is palpable among the team members, with doctoral candidate Masahiro Fukuda expressing profound appreciation for the collaboration with Dr. Guan and emphasizing the study’s potential to revolutionize the field.

As they continue to explore the fascinating world of cellular degradation and immune responses, these researchers stand on the cusp of unlocking answers to some of the most pressing questions surrounding disease mechanisms. The work, funded by the National Institutes of Health, signifies a major leap forward in scientific inquiry—one that holds the promise of impacting countless lives through improved understanding and treatment methodologies in the future.

Subject of Research: Novel Method for Investigating Protein Degradation in Immune Cells
Article Title: Development of Engineered Microparticles for Investigating Enzymatic Degradation of Proteins and Peptides within Phagosomes
News Publication Date: 21-Feb-2025
Web References: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.4c22223
References: 10.1021/acsami.4c22223
Image Credits: Holden Grace Wilkins/University Communications

Keywords

Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Protein Functions, Protein Analysis, Cellular Proteins, Fluorescent Proteins, Chemical Engineering, Immune Cells

Tags: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces publicationAlzheimer’s disease insightsautoimmune disorders studybiomedical engineering innovationscancer research advancementscellular processes in immunityengineered microparticlesFAMU-FSU College of Engineeringimmune cell dynamicsphagocytosis mechanismsphagosomes in immune cellsprotein degradation research