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Yang H, Zhao Z, Li H, Wang L. Metal binding feature of copper‒induced metallothionein from freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense reveals its Cu‒thionein character. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 221:106519. [PMID: 38830441 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Sinopotamon Henanense expresses two metal‒induced metallothioneins (MTs), Cd‒induced MT and Cu‒induced MT (ShCuMT). The Cd‒induced MT has been characterized as a Cd‒thiolate MT. However, it is unknown whether ShCuMT is a Cu‒thiolate MT. In the present study, ShCuMT was expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni‒NTA column and superdex‒75 column. And its metal‒binding feature was evaluated by DTNB reaction, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), isothermal microtitration (ITC), electrospray flight mass spectrometry (ESI‒TOF‒MS), and matrix‒assisted laser desorption ionization flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‒TOF‒MS). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that ShCuMT possessed the cysteine‒triplet motif of a Cu‒specific MT. Expression and purification of ShCuMT illustrated that SUMO tag used as the production system for ShCuMT resulted in a high production yield. The stability order of ShCuMT binding metal ions were Cu (Ⅰ) > Cd (Ⅱ) > Zn (Ⅱ). The CD spectrum indicated that ShCuMT binding with Cu (I) exhibited a compact thiol metal clusters structure. Besides, there emerged no a visible nickel‒thiol absorption after Ni‒NTA column affinity chromatography. The ITC results implied that Cu‒ShCuMT possessed the optimal thermodynamic conformation and the highest stoichiometric number of Cu (Ⅰ). Overall, the results suggested that SUMO fusion system is a robust and inexpensive approach for ShCuMT expression and Ni‒NTA column had no influence on metal binding of ShCuMT and Cu(Ⅰ) was considered its cognate metal ion, and ShCuMT possessed canonical Cu‒thiolate characteristics. The metal binding feature of ShCuMT reported here contributes to elucidating the structure‒function relationship of ShCuMT in S. Henanense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Yang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory for Modernization of TCVM/ College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agriculture University, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, 030800, China.
| | - Ziyan Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory for Modernization of TCVM/ College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agriculture University, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, 030800, China
| | - Hongquan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory for Modernization of TCVM/ College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agriculture University, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, 030800, China.
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China.
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Dallinger R. Metals and metallothionein evolution in snails: a contribution to the concept of metal-specific functionality from an animal model group. Biometals 2024; 37:671-696. [PMID: 38416244 PMCID: PMC11101346 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00584-3] [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] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This is a critical review of what we know so far about the evolution of metallothioneins (MTs) in Gastropoda (snails, whelks, limpets and slugs), an important class of molluscs with over 90,000 known species. Particular attention will be paid to the evolution of snail MTs in relation to the role of some metallic trace elements (cadmium, zinc and copper) and their interaction with MTs, also compared to MTs from other animal phyla. The article also highlights the important distinction, yet close relationship, between the structural and metal-selective binding properties of gastropod MTs and their physiological functionality in the living organism. It appears that in the course of the evolution of Gastropoda, the trace metal cadmium (Cd) must have played an essential role in the development of Cd-selective MT variants. It is shown how the structures and Cd-selective binding properties in the basal gastropod clades have evolved by testing and optimizing different combinations of ancestral and novel MT domains, and how some of these domains have become established in modern and recent gastropod clades. In this context, the question of how adaptation to new habitats and lifestyles has affected the original MT traits in different gastropod lineages will also be addressed. The 3D structures and their metal binding preferences will be highlighted exemplarily in MTs of modern littorinid and helicid snails. Finally, the importance of the different metal requirements and pathways in snail tissues and cells for the shaping and functionality of the respective MT isoforms will be shown.
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Benhamdoun A, Achtak H, Dahbi A. Bioaccumulation of trace metals in edible terrestrial snails, Theba pisana and Otala spp., in a dumpsite area in Morocco and assessment of human health risks for consumers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:42810-42826. [PMID: 38878242 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33945-z] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the bioaccumulation patterns of five trace metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, and Zn) in two edible snail species, Theba pisana and Otala spp., collected from a dumpsite in Safi City, Morocco. The results indicated that bioaccumulation might be species-specific, as metal concentration profiles varied between the two snail species. Additionally, higher metal levels in the dumpsite snails confirmed their potential as bioindicators of trace metal pollution in terrestrial environments. However, the distribution of trace elements within the edible parts of the snails showed marked unevenness, with the viscera accumulating more metals than the foot. The study also evaluated the potential human health risks associated with consuming these snails. Trace metal levels in the edible parts exceeded most international safety thresholds. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of trace metals through snail consumption were below the provisional tolerable daily intakes (PTDIs) for both children and adults, suggesting that daily consumption is generally safe. Nonetheless, the hazard index (HI) indicated that children might face health risks from long-term consumption of contaminated snails (HI > 1), while adults are less likely to experience such complications (HI < 1). The total target carcinogenic risk (TTCR) was below 1E-04 for both children and adults, indicating negligible to acceptable carcinogenic risks for all consumer groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellali Benhamdoun
- Research Team "Environment & Health", Department of Biology, Cadi Ayyad University, Polydisciplinary FacultyB.P. 4162, 46000, Sidi Bouzid, Safi, Morocco.
| | - Hafid Achtak
- Research Team "Environment & Health", Department of Biology, Cadi Ayyad University, Polydisciplinary FacultyB.P. 4162, 46000, Sidi Bouzid, Safi, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Dahbi
- Research Team "Environment & Health", Department of Biology, Cadi Ayyad University, Polydisciplinary FacultyB.P. 4162, 46000, Sidi Bouzid, Safi, Morocco
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Tanhan P, Imsilp K, Lansubsakul N, Tantiwisawaruji S, Thong-Asa W. Oxidative response to accumulation of trace metals in tissue of two bivalves, the Asian green mussel Perna viridis and the blood cockle Tegillarca granosa, living in Pattani Bay, Thailand. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2024; 36:32-44. [PMID: 37753853 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10200] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using bivalves to indicate aquatic pollutants was favorable for discerning the negative effects of high levels of metal accumulation in tissue. We investigated the correlation between trace metal accumulation and the tissue oxidative response of two bivalves. METHODS The Asian green mussel Perna viridis and the blood cockle Tegillarca granosa were sampled along with seawater and sediments from three locations around Pattani Bay, Thailand. Accumulation of nine trace metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, chromium, nickel, manganese, iron, zinc, and lead) in seawater, sediments, and tissue and the oxidative tissue response were evaluated. Metal bioaccumulation factor, biota-sediment accumulation factor, and histopathology were also indicated. RESULT The present study found that P. viridis and T. granosa were macroconcentrators and bioaccumulative of cadmium, and their tissue accumulation of cadmium was strongly related to lipid peroxidation activation. Perna viridis exhibited a higher oxidative response than T. granosa, as indicated by malondialdehyde, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels. CONCLUSION The present study indicated that P. viridis and T. granosa were macroconcentrators and bioaccumulative of cadmium, and their tissue accumulation of cadmium was strongly related to lipid peroxidation activation. Research has shown discernible negative effects of a high level of metal accumulation in tissue, and deformed and damaged tissues were present in the gills, digestive glands, intestines, and feet of P. viridis and T. granosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phanwimol Tanhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Imsilp
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Niyada Lansubsakul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Wachiryah Thong-Asa
- Animal Toxicology and Physiology Specialty Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Valsecchi R, Baumann C, Lila A, Zerbe O. Evolution of Cd2+ and Cu+ binding in Helix pomatia metallothioneins. Metallomics 2023; 15:mfad057. [PMID: 37738453 PMCID: PMC10548783 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad057] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are small proteins present in all kingdoms of life. Their high cysteine content enables them to bind metal ions, such as Zn2+, Cd2+, and Cu+, providing means for detoxification and metal homeostasis. Three MT isoforms with distinct metal binding preferences are present in the Roman Snail Helix pomatia. Here, we use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to follow the evolution of Cd2+ and Cu+ binding from the reconstructed ancestral Stylommatophora MT to the three H. pomatia MT (HpMT) isoforms. Information obtained from [15N,1H]-HSQC spectra and T2 relaxation times are combined to describe the conformational stability of the MT-metal complexes. A well-behaved MT-metal complex adopts a unique structure and does not undergo additional conformational exchange. The ancestor to all three HpMTs forms conformationally stable Cd2+ complexes and closely resembles the Cd2+-specific HpCdMT isoform, suggesting a role in Cd2+ detoxification for the ancestral protein. All Cu+-MT complexes, including the Cu+-specific HpCuMT isoform, undergo a considerable amount of conformational exchange. The unspecific HpCd/CuMT and the Cu+-specific HpCuMT isoforms form Cu+ complexes with comparable characteristics. It is possible to follow how Cd2+ and Cu+ binding changed throughout evolution. Interestingly, Cu+ binding improved independently in the lineages leading to the unspecific and the Cu+-specific HpMT isoforms. C-terminal domains are generally less capable of coordinating the non-cognate metal ion than N-terminal domains, indicating a higher level of specialization of the C-domain. Our findings provide new insights into snail MT evolution, helping to understand the interplay between biological function and structural features toward a comprehensive understanding of metal preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Valsecchi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Switzerland
| | - Christian Baumann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Switzerland
| | - Ardit Lila
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Switzerland
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Spatial and Temporal Variability of Trace and Macro Elements in the Red Crab Pleuroncodes planipes in the Pacific Coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050822. [PMID: 36899680 PMCID: PMC10000037 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050822] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The red crab, Pleuroncodes planipes, is a decapod crustacean abundant off the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula. This species is caught and used in preparing animal feed, such as flour, particularly for aquaculture. Levels of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) were measured in red crabs collected from three geographic zones during three cruises in different seasons. Significant differences were found in the levels of Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, P, and Zn between the two El Niño years (cruises C1 and C3, based on a threshold of ±0.5 °C for the Oceanic Niño Index). The highest concentrations of most elements were observed in the south of the Baja California Peninsula, a highly productive area influenced by upwelling events. Our findings suggest that while environmental temperature plays a central role in the benthic or pelagic distribution of red crabs, their content and variability of trace and macro elements appear to be associated with the presence of oceanic conditions, such as upwelling and potential changes in the composition of their diet associated with the depth in which these crustaceans are collected.
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Aigner GP, Nenning P, Fiechtner B, Šrut M, Höckner M. DNA Methylation and Detoxification in the Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris Exposed to Cadmium and the DNA Demethylation Agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. TOXICS 2022; 10:100. [PMID: 35202286 PMCID: PMC8879108 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms are well-established model organisms for testing the effects of heavy metal pollution. How DNA methylation affects cadmium (Cd) detoxification processes such as the expression of metallothionein 2 (MT2), however, is largely unknown. We therefore exposed Lumbricus terrestris to 200 mg concentrations of Cd and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza), a demethylating agent, and sampled tissue and coelomocytes, cells of the innate immune system, for 48 h. MT2 transcription significantly increased in the Cd- and Cd-Aza-treated groups. In tissue samples, a significant decrease in MT2 in the Aza-treated group was detected, showing that Aza treatment inhibits basal MT2 gene activity but has no effect on Cd-induced MT2 levels. Although Cd repressed the gene expression of DNA-(cytosine-5)-methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1), which is responsible for maintaining DNA methylation, DNMT activity was unchanged, meaning that methylation maintenance was not affected in coelomocytes. The treatment did not influence DNMT3, which mediates de novo methylation, TET gene expression, which orchestrates demethylation, and global levels of hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a product of the demethylation process. Taken together, this study indicates that Aza inhibits basal gene activity, in contrast to Cd-induced MT2 gene expression, but does not affect global DNA methylation. We therefore conclude that Cd detoxification based on the induction of MT2 does not relate to DNA methylation changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Martina Höckner
- Department of Zoology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.P.A.); (P.N.); (B.F.); (M.Š.)
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Comparative transcriptome analysis of the gills and hepatopancreas from Macrobrachium rosenbergii exposed to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd 2+). Sci Rep 2021; 11:16140. [PMID: 34373575 PMCID: PMC8352946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95709-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal Cadmium (Cd2+) pollution has become a severe environmental problem for aquatic organisms. In crustaceans, gills (Gi) and hepatopancreas (Hp) play a vital role in the toxicology. However, in Macrobrachium rosenbergill, there are few researches about gill and hepatopancreases responding to Cd2+ stress at a molecular level. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was applied to characterize gene expression profiles of gills and hepatopancreas of M. rosenbergill after Cd2+ exposure for 0 h, 3 h and 3 d. Six cDNA libraries (Gi 0 h, Gi 3 h, Gi 3 d, Hp 0 h, Hp 3 h, and Hp 3 d) were constructed and a total of 66,676 transcripts and 48,991 unigenes were annotated. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were isolated by comparing the Cd2+ treated time-point libraries (3 h and 3 d group) with the control library (0 h group). The results showed that most of the DEGs were down-regulated after Cd2+ exposure and the number of DEGs among gill groups were significantly higher than those among hepatopancreas groups. GO functional and KEGG pathway analysis suggested many key DEGs in response to the Cd2+ stress, such as metallothionein and Hemocyanin. Additionally, a total of six DEGs were randomly selected to further identify their expressional profile by qPCR. The results indicated that these DEGs were involved in the response to Cd2+. This comparative transcriptome provides valuable molecular information on the mechanisms of responding to Cd2+ stress in M. rosenbergii, which lays the foundation for further understanding of heavy metal stress.
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Pedrini-Martha V, Schnegg R, Schäfer GG, Lieb B, Salvenmoser W, Dallinger R. Responsiveness of metallothionein and hemocyanin genes to cadmium and copper exposure in the garden snail Cornu aspersum. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 335:228-238. [PMID: 33146003 PMCID: PMC7984241 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Terrestrial gastropods express metal-selective metallothioneins (MTs) by which they handle metal ions such as Zn2+ , Cd2+ , and Cu+ /Cu2+ through separate metabolic pathways. At the same time, they depend on the availability of sufficient amounts of Cu as an essential constituent of their respiratory protein, hemocyanin (Hc). It was, therefore, suggested that in snails Cu-dependent MT and Hc pathways might be metabolically connected. In fact, the Cu-specific snail MT (CuMT) is exclusively expressed in rhogocytes, a particular molluscan cell type present in the hemocoel and connective tissues. Snail rhogocytes are also the sites of Hc synthesis. In the present study, possible interactions between the metal-regulatory and detoxifying activity of MTs and the Cu demand of Hc isoforms was explored in the edible snail Cornu aspersum, one of the most common European helicid land snails. This species possesses CdMT and CuMT isoforms involved in metal-selective physiological tasks. In addition, C. aspersum expresses three different Hc isoforms (CaH ɑD, CaH ɑN, CaH β). We have examined the effect of Cd2+ and Cu2+ exposure on metal accumulation in the midgut gland and mantle of C. aspersum, testing the impact of these metals on transcriptional upregulation of CdMT, CuMT, and the three Hc genes in the two organs. We found that the CuMT and CaH ɑD genes exhibit an organ-specific transcriptional upregulation in the midgut gland of Cu-exposed snails. These results are discussed in view of possible interrelationships between the metal-selective activity of snail MT isoforms and the synthesis and metabolism of Hc isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Pedrini-Martha
- Department of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raimund Schnegg
- Department of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Bernhard Lieb
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Willi Salvenmoser
- Department of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhard Dallinger
- Department of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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