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Kim N, Filipovic D, Bhattacharya S, Cuddapah S. Epigenetic toxicity of heavy metals - implications for embryonic stem cells. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 193:109084. [PMID: 39437622 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals, such as cadmium, nickel, mercury, arsenic, lead, and hexavalent chromium has been linked to dysregulated developmental processes, such as impaired stem cell differentiation. Heavy metals are well-known modifiers of the epigenome. Stem and progenitor cells are particularly vulnerable to exposure to potentially toxic metals since these cells rely on epigenetic reprogramming for their proper functioning. Therefore, exposure to metals can impair stem and progenitor cell proliferation, pluripotency, stemness, and differentiation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of current evidence on the epigenetic effects of heavy metals on stem cells, focusing particularly on DNA methylation and histone modifications. Moreover, we explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for these epigenetic changes. By providing an overview of heavy metal exposure-induced alterations to the epigenome, the underlying mechanisms, and the consequences of those alterations on stem cell function, this review provides a foundation for further research in this critical area of overlap between toxicology and developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kim
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - David Filipovic
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Systems Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Division of Systems Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Suresh Cuddapah
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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Ventrello SW, McMurry NR, Edwards NM, Bain LJ. Chronic arsenic exposure affects stromal cells and signaling in the small intestine in a sex-specific manner. Toxicol Sci 2024; 198:303-315. [PMID: 38310360 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is a toxicant that is ingested through drinking water and food, exposing nearly 140 million people to levels above the 10 ppb guideline concentration. Studies have shown that arsenic affects intestinal stem cells (ISCs), but the mechanisms by which arsenic alters the formation of adult cells in the small intestine are not well understood. Signals derived from intestinal stromal cells initiate and maintain differentiation. The goal of this study is to evaluate arsenic's effect on intestinal stromal cells, including PdgfrαLo trophocytes, located proximal to the ISCs, and PdgfrαHi telocytes, located proximal to the transit-amplifying region and up the villi. Adult Sox9tm2Crm-EGFP mice were exposed to 0, 33, and 100 ppb sodium arsenite in their drinking water for 13 weeks, and sections of duodenum were examined. Flow cytometry indicated that arsenic exposure dose-responsively reduced Sox9+ epithelial cells and trended toward increased Pdgfrα+ cells. The trophocyte marker, CD81, was reduced by 10-fold and 9.0-fold in the 100 ppb exposure group in male and female mice, respectively. Additionally, a significant 2.2- to 3.1-fold increase in PdgfrαLo expression was found in male mice in trophocytes and Igfbp5+ cells. PdgfrαHi protein expression, a telocyte marker, was more prevalent along the villus/crypt structure in females, whereas Gli1 expression (telocytes) was reduced in male mice exposed to arsenic. Principle coordinate analysis confirmed the sex-dependent response to arsenic exposure, with an increase in trophocyte and decrease in telocyte marker expression observed in male mice. These results imply that arsenic alters intestinal mesenchymal cells in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Ventrello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Nicholas R McMurry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Nicholas M Edwards
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Lisa J Bain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
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Yang Y, Zhou M, Huang Y, Ye X, Mo Y, Huang Y, Wang S. LCP1-mediated cytoskeleton alterations involve in arsenite-triggered malignant phenotype of human immortalized prostate stromal cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114548. [PMID: 38417537 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The connection between continuous arsenic exposure and prostate cancer is already established. However, the exact mechanisms of arsenic tumorigenesis are far from clear. Here, we employed human prostate stromal immortalized cells (WPMY-1) continuous exposure to 1 and 2 μM arsenite for 29 weeks to identify the malignant phenotype and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. As expected, continuous low-dose arsenite exposure led to the malignant phenotype of WPMY-1 cells. Quantitative proteomics identified 517 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), of which the most remarkably changed proteins (such as LCP1 and DDX58, etc.) and the bioinformatic analysis were focused on the regulation of cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and migration. Further, cell experiments showed that continuous arsenite exposure altered cytoskeleton structure, enhanced cell adhesive capability, and raised the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATM, p-ATM, p-ERK1/2, and LCP1 proteins. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment antagonized the increase of LCP1 proteins, and LCP1 knockdown partially restored F-actin organization caused by arsenic. Overall, the results demonstrated that ROS-ATM-ERK1/2 signaling pathway was involved in the activation of LCP1, leading to cytoskeleton alterations. These alterations are believed to play a significant role in arsenite-triggered tumor microenvironment cell-acquired malignant phenotype, which could provide potential biomarkers with therapeutic implications for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Yang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Menghan Zhou
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yurun Huang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaotong Ye
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yingxi Mo
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Chen Y, Fan Y, Huang Y, Liao X, Xu W, Zhang T. A comprehensive review of toxicity of coal fly ash and its leachate in the ecosystem. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115905. [PMID: 38171230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, is a hazardous industrial solid waste. Its excessive global production, coupled with improper disposal practices, insufficient utilization and limited awareness of its inherent hazards, poses a significant threat to both ecological environment and human health. Based on the physicochemical properties of CFA and its leachates, we elucidate the forms of CFA and potential pathways for its entry into the human body, as well as the leaching behavior, maximum tolerance and biological half-life of toxic elements present in CFA. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current strategies and methods for mitigating the leaching of these harmful elements from CFA. Moreover, we systemically summarize toxic effect of CFA on organisms across various tiers of complexity, analyze epidemiological findings concerning the human health implications resulting from CFA exposure, and delve into the biotoxicological mechanisms of CFA and its leachates at cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to enhance understanding of the potential toxicity of CFA, thereby promoting increased public awareness regarding the disposal and management of this industrial waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yingjie Fan
- Chongqing Research Center for Jialing River Development, Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing and Automotive, Chongqing Technology and Business Institute, Chongqing 401520, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wenfeng Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; JINSHAN Science & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China.
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Perego MC, McMichael BD, McMurry NR, Ventrello SW, Bain LJ. Arsenic Impairs Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Cholinergic Motor Neurons. TOXICS 2023; 11:644. [PMID: 37624150 PMCID: PMC10458826 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure during embryogenesis can lead to improper neurodevelopment and changes in locomotor activity. Additionally, in vitro studies have shown that arsenic inhibits the differentiation of sensory neurons and skeletal muscle. In the current study, human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were differentiated into motor neurons over 28 days, while being exposed to up to 0.5 μM arsenic. On day 6, neuroepithelial progenitor cells (NEPs) exposed to arsenic had reduced transcript levels of the neural progenitor/stem cell marker nestin (NES) and neuroepithelial progenitor marker SOX1, while levels of these transcripts were increased in motor neuron progenitors (MNPs) at day 12. In day 18 early motor neurons (MNs), choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) expression was reduced two-fold in cells exposed to 0.5 μM arsenic. RNA sequencing demonstrated that the cholinergic synapse pathway was impaired following exposure to 0.5 μM arsenic, and that transcript levels of genes involved in acetylcholine synthesis (CHAT), transport (solute carriers, SLC18A3 and SLC5A7) and degradation (acetylcholinesterase, ACHE) were all downregulated in day 18 early MNs. In day 28 mature motor neurons, arsenic significantly downregulated protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and ChAT by 2.8- and 2.1-fold, respectively, concomitantly with a reduction in neurite length. These results show that exposure to environmentally relevant arsenic concentrations dysregulates the differentiation of human iPS cells into motor neurons and impairs the cholinergic synapse pathway, suggesting that exposure impairs cholinergic function in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Chiara Perego
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | | | - Nicholas R. McMurry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Scott W. Ventrello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Lisa J. Bain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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Perego MC, McMichael BD, Bain LJ. Arsenic impairs stem cell differentiation via the Hippo signaling pathway. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:296-309. [PMID: 37125325 PMCID: PMC10141767 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is a ubiquitous toxic metalloid, with over 150 million people exposed to arsenic concentrations above the current 10 ppb drinking water standard through contaminated food and water. Arsenic is a known developmental toxicant as neuronal and muscle development are disrupted following arsenic exposure during embryogenesis. In this study, murine embryonic stem cells were chronically exposed to 0.1 μM (7.5 ppb) arsenic for 32 weeks. RNA sequencing showed that the Hippo signaling pathway, which is involved in embryonic development and pluripotency maintenance, is impaired following arsenic exposure. Thus, temporal changes in the Hippo pathway's core components and its downstream target genes Ctgf and c-Myc were investigated. Protein expression of the pathway's main effector YAP in its active form was significantly upregulated by 3.7-fold in arsenic-exposed cells at week 8, while protein expression of inactive phosphorylated YAP was significantly downregulated by 2.5- and 2-fold at weeks 8 and 16. Exposure to arsenic significantly increased the ratio between nuclear and cytoplasmic YAP by 1.9-fold at weeks 16 and 28. The ratio between nuclear and cytoplasmic transcriptional enhancer factor domain was similarly increased in arsenic-treated samples by 3.4- and 1.6-fold at weeks 16 and 28, respectively. Levels of Ctgf and c-Myc were also upregulated following arsenic exposure. These results suggest that chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant arsenic concentration might hinder cellular differentiation and maintain pluripotency through the impairment of the Hippo signaling pathway resulting in increased YAP activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chiara Perego
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC, 29631, United States
| | - Benjamin D McMichael
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC, 29631, United States
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Lisa J Bain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC, 29631, United States
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Anushree, Ali MZ, Bilgrami AL, Ahsan J. Acute Exposure to Arsenic Affects Pupal Development and Neurological Functions in Drosophila melanogaster. TOXICS 2023; 11:327. [PMID: 37112554 PMCID: PMC10142172 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people in developing countries are affected by arsenic (As) toxicity and its prevalence. Arsenic's detrimental effects on humans have been amplified by an unacceptable level of exposure to food and drinking water, the ongoing rise in industrial usage, and several other occupational conditions. Due to increased cellular absorption and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), inorganic arsenic (iAs) is extremely hazardous to living organisms in its trivalent form. Arsenic toxicity damages an organism's tissues and organs, resulting in skin cancer, circulatory system abnormalities, and central nervous system disorders. However, a competent model system is required to investigate the acute effects of arsenic on the brain, cognition ability, and to assess any behavioral impairment. Hence, Drosophila, with its short generation time, genomic similarities with humans, and its availability for robust behavioral paradigms, may be considered an ideal model for studying arsenic toxicity. The present study helps to understand the toxic effects of acute arsenic treatment on the behavior, cognition, and development of Drosophila in a time-dependent manner. We found that the exposure of fruit flies to arsenic significantly affected their locomotor abilities, pupae size, cognitive functions, and neurobehavioral impairment. Hence, providing a better understanding of how arsenic toxicity affects the brain leading to acute behavioral disorders and neurological alterations, this study will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushree
- Drosophila Behavior Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India
| | - Md Zeeshan Ali
- Drosophila Behavior Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India
| | - Anwar L. Bilgrami
- Deanship of Scientific Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawaid Ahsan
- Drosophila Behavior Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India
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