Electromagnetized MXenes Enhance the Efficient Direct Reprogramming of Dopamine Neurons for Parkinson’s Disease Therapy

Abstract

MXenes, a two-dimensional transition metal carbide and nitride, have shown significant potential in various biological applications. In particular, the distinct properties of MXenes─including their functionalizable surface, biocompatibility, and conductive characteristics, make them highly promising materials for advancing biomedical technologies. Here, we report that MXene, under specific electromagnetic field (EMF) conditions, effectively promotes the direct lineage reprogramming of induced dopaminergic (iDA) neurons both in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, we found that electromagnetized MXene leads to specific activation of histone acetylation during the induced dopaminergic neuronal reprogramming process and efficiently alleviates symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Moreover, MXene-mediated electromagnetic stimulation effectively promotes the direct reprogramming of human iDA neurons from skin fibroblasts. Therefore, our study highlights MXene’s application in cell reprogramming, offering promising advancements in regenerative medicine through improved efficiency and reliability.