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Li XD, Jiang GF, Li R, Bai Y, Zhang GS, Xu SJ, Deng WA. Molecular strategies of the pygmy grasshopper Eucriotettix oculatus adapting to long-term heavy metal pollution. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 276:116301. [PMID: 38599159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116301] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
To study the heavy metal accumulation and its impact on insect exterior and chromosome morphology, and reveal the molecular mechanism of insects adapting to long-term heavy metal compound pollution habitats, this study, in the Diaojiang river basin, which has been polluted by heavy metals(HMs) for nearly a thousand years, two Eucriotettix oculatus populations was collected from mining and non-mining areas. It was found that the contents of 7 heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Sn, Sb) in E. oculatus of the mining area were higher than that in the non-mining 1-11 times. The analysis of morphology shows that the external morphology, the hind wing type and the chromosomal morphology of E. oculatus are significant differences between the two populations. Based on the heavy metal accumulation,morphological change, and stable population density, it is inferred that the mining area population has been affected by heavy metals and has adapted to the environment of heavy metals pollution. Then, by analyzing the transcriptome of the two populations, it was found that the digestion, immunity, excretion, endocrine, nerve, circulation, reproductive and other systems and lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and other cell structure-related gene expression were suppressed. This shows that the functions of the above-mentioned related systems of E. oculatus are inhibited by heavy metal stress. However, it has also been found that through the significant up-regulation of genes related to the above system, such as ATP2B, pepsin A, ubiquitin, AQP1, ACOX, ATPeV0A, SEC61A, CANX, ALDH7A1, DLD, aceE, Hsp40, and catalase, etc., and the down-regulation of MAPK signalling pathway genes, can enhanced nutrient absorption, improve energy metabolism, repair damaged cells and degrade abnormal proteins, maintain the stability of cells and systems, and resist heavy metal damage so that E. oculatus can adapt to the environment of heavy metal pollution for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, School of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hechi University Yizhou 546300, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Guo-Fang Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210000, China; College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China.
| | - Ran Li
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Yi Bai
- School of Life Science, Taizhou University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Guo-Song Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Bioengineering, Heze University, Heze 274000, China
| | - Shu-Juan Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Longdong University, Qingyang 745000, China
| | - Wei-An Deng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, School of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hechi University Yizhou 546300, China; College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China.
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Deng B, Wang G, Yuan Q, Zhu J, Xu C, Zhang X, Wang P. Enrichment and speciation changes of Cu and Cd in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval compost and their effects on larval growth performance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 845:157299. [PMID: 35842144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Municipal sludge (MS), rainwater sludge (RS), and kitchen waste (KW) were used as nutritional supplements for black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Cd (52.3 %) was more easily assimilated in the BSFL body than Cu (34.8 %). After biotransformation in BSFL, the weak acid-soluble fraction (F1) of Cu and Cd increased by an average of 29.0 % and 42.7 %, respectively, whereas the reducible fraction (F2) of Cu and Cd decreased by an average of 13.8 % and 56.4 %, respectively, in the BSFL sand (BSFL feces and waste residues). A significant correlation (P < 0.01) was found between pH and the speciation of Cu and Cd. The abundance of Bacteroides had a positive correlation (P < 0.05) with the F1 of Cu, an extremely significant negative correlation (P < 0.001) with the F2 of Cd, and an extremely significant positive correlation with the F1 of Cd (P < 0.001). In addition, Cu and Cd exposures significantly (P < 0.01) reduced larval weight by 67.7 % and 45.3 %, respectively, pupation rate by 46.3 % and 26.5 %, respectively, and eclosion rate by 35.5 % and 33.4 %, respectively. Exposure to high concentrations of Cu and Cd also prolonged the development cycle (1-12 days) of BSFL and led to the failure of BSFL to complete their metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Deng
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiaoxia Yuan
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Junyu Zhu
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chao Xu
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Equipment in Mid-lower Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan 430070, China; Technology & Equipment Center for Carbon Neutrality in Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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El-Samad LM, El-Ashram S, Kheirallah DA, Abdul-Aziz KK, Toto NA, Mokhamer EHM. Relative gene expression, micronuclei formation, and ultrastructure alterations induced by heavy metal contamination in Pimelia latreillei (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in an urban-industrial area of Alexandria, Egypt. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253238. [PMID: 34161380 PMCID: PMC8221511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present research aims to evaluate the impact of industrial processes and anthropogenic activities on the beetle Pimelia latreillei inhabiting the polluted site at Zawya Abd El- Qader, Alexandria, Egypt. Beetles were collected from the vicinity of five factories. The genotoxic effects of environmental exposures to industrial heavy metals were monitored using a broad range of assays, including energy-dispersive X ray microanalysis and X-ray diffraction (SEM and EDX)), qRT-PCR gene expression assay, micronuclei formation, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis for the soil and testicular tissues of beetles collected from the polluted site revealed a higher percentage of heavy metals than the beetles collected from the reference site (Sidi Kirier, Alexandria, Egypt). To analyze/monitor genotoxicity in P. latreillei sampled from the polluted site, the transcription levels of levels of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and accessory gland seminal fluid protein (AcPC01) in testicular tissues were recorded. The incidence of micronuclei (MN) formation in the testicular cells was also observed. Quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was carried out to detect the changes in the gene expression of the aforementioned proteins. Genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90) were significantly overexpressed (> 2-fold) in specimens sampled from the polluted site; however, AcPC01 gene expression was under-expressed (<1.5-folds). The incidence of MN was significantly increased in specimens sampled from the polluted site. Ultrastructure anomalies (nuclear and cytoplasmic disruption) were also observed in the testicular cells of the beetles sampled from the polluted site compared to those sampled from the unpolluted site. Our results, therefore, advocate a need for adequate measures to reduce increasing environmental pollution in the urban-industrial areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamia M. El-Samad
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Dalia A. Kheirallah
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Karolin K. Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, El Beheira, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Noura A. Toto
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, El Beheira, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - El Hassan M. Mokhamer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, El Beheira, Damanhour, Egypt
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Kheirallah DAM, Ali AM, Osman SE, Shouman AM. Nickel oxide nanoparticles induce genotoxicity and cellular alterations in the ground beetle Blaps polycresta (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Toxicol Ind Health 2021; 37:408-430. [PMID: 34085874 DOI: 10.1177/07482337211000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) have advantageous applications in the industry; however, little is known of their adverse effects on biological tissues. In the present study, the ground beetle Blaps polycresta was employed as a sensitive indicator for nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) toxicity. Adult male beetles were injected with six dose levels of NiO-NPs (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06 mg/g body weight). Mortality was reported daily over 30 days under laboratory conditions to establish an LD50. Nickel was detected in the testicular tissues of the beetles using X-ray analysis and transmission electronic microscopy. Beetles treated with the sublethal dose of 0.02 mg/g were selected to observe molecular, cellular, and subcellular changes. Gene transcripts of HSP70, HSP90, and MT1 were found to be increased >2.5-, 1.5-, and 2-fold, respectively, in the treated group compared with the controls. Decreased gene expression of AcPC01, AcPC02, and AcPC04 (≤1.5-, ≤2-, and < 2.5-fold, respectively, vs. controls) also were reported in the treated group. Under light microscopy, various structural changes were observed in the testicular tissues of the treated beetles. Ultrastructure observations using scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed severe damage to the subcellular organelles as well as deformities of the heads and flagella of the spermatozoa. Therefore, the present study postulated the impact of NiO-NPs in an ecological model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Awatef Mohamed Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Salah Eldein Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amal Mohamed Shouman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Rost-Roszkowska M, Poprawa I, Chajec Ł, Chachulska-Żymełka A, Wilczek G, Wilczek P, Student S, Skowronek M, Nadgórska-Socha A, Leśniewska M. Influence of soil contaminated with cadmium on cell death in the digestive epithelium of soil centipede Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda, Chilopoda). THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1757168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Rost-Roszkowska
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - I. Poprawa
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ł. Chajec
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - A. Chachulska-Żymełka
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - G. Wilczek
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - P. Wilczek
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Heart Prosthesis Institute, Zabrze, Poland
| | - S. Student
- Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - M. Skowronek
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - A. Nadgórska-Socha
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - M. Leśniewska
- Department of General Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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Perić-Mataruga V, Ilijin L, Mrdaković M, Todorović D, Prokić M, Matić D, Vlahović M. Parameters of oxidative stress, cholinesterase activity, Cd bioaccumulation in the brain and midgut of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) caterpillars from unpolluted and polluted forests. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 218:416-424. [PMID: 30476774 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) can display a variety of different effects on living organisms. The objectives of the present study were to investigate Cd bioaccumulation and differences in parameters of oxidative stress (activities of the enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and amounts of non-enzymatic free sulfhydryl groups and total glutathione) and cholinesterase activity in larval brain and midgut tissues of the polyphagous forest insect Lymantria dispar collected from unpolluted and polluted oak forests. Fourth instar L. dispar caterpillars from the unpolluted forest had higher body mass but accumulated more Cd in comparison to caterpillars from the polluted forest. In both populations the midgut was more sensitive than the brain to the prooxidative effects of Cd. Enzyme activities and amounts of non-enzymatic parameters tended to be greater in midgut tissues than in the brain, except for cholinesterase activity. Parameters of oxidative stress had higher values in caterpillar tissues from the polluted than from the unpolluted oak forest. The observed differences between the two natural populations point to the importance of knowing the history of population exposure to environmental pollution when monitoring forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Perić-Mataruga
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Larisa Ilijin
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mrdaković
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dajana Todorović
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Prokić
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Physiology, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Matić
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Vlahović
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
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Dabour K, Al Naggar Y, Masry S, Naiem E, Giesy JP. Cellular alterations in midgut cells of honey bee workers (Apis millefera L.) exposed to sublethal concentrations of CdO or PbO nanoparticles or their binary mixture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1356-1367. [PMID: 30360267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Beside many beneficial applications in industry, agriculture and medicine, nanoparticles (NPs) released into the environment might cause adverse effects. In the present study, effects of exposure to sublethal concentrations of PbO and CdO NPs, either separately or in combination on honey bee (A. mellifera) workers were assessed. Honey bee workers were fed sugar syrup contained (20% of LC50) of CdO (0.01 mg ml-1) and PbO (0.65 mg ml-1) NPs either separately or combined for nine days under laboratory conditions. Control bees were fed 1.5 M sucrose syrup without NPs. Effects on histological and cellular structure of mid gut cells were investigated using light and electron microscope. Percentages of incidence of apoptosis or/and necrosis in mid gut cells were also quantified by use of flow cytometry. Rapture of the peritrophic membrane (PM) was among the most observed histopathological alteration in bees fed sugar syrup contained CdO NPs separately or combined with PbO NPs. Common cytological alterations observed in epithelial cells were irregular distribution or/and condensation of nuclear chromatin, mitochondrial swelling and lysis, and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) dilation, fragmentation, and vesiculation and were quite similar in all treated groups compared to control. The greatest incidence (%) of necrosis was observed in bees fed the diet that contained CdO NPs alone. The greatest % of both apoptosis and necrosis was observed in bees fed sugar syrup spiked with sublethal concentrations of both metal oxide NPs. Joint action of the binary mixture of Cd and Pb oxide NPs on honey bees was concluded to be antagonistic. Collectively, exposure of honey bees to these metal oxide NPs even at sublethal concentrations will adversely affect viability of the colony and further studies are still required to determine the effects of these metal oxide NPs on behavior and pollination ecology of honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Dabour
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt; Centre of Integrative Bee Research (CIBER), Entomology Department, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA.
| | - Saad Masry
- Department of Plant Protection and Molecular Diagnosis, Arid Lands Cultivation, Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), 21934 Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Elsaied Naiem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Biomedical Veterinary Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SKS7N 5B3, Canada
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Miguel-Aliaga I, Jasper H, Lemaitre B. Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive Tract of Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2018; 210:357-396. [PMID: 30287514 PMCID: PMC6216580 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract has recently come to the forefront of multiple research fields. It is now recognized as a major source of signals modulating food intake, insulin secretion and energy balance. It is also a key player in immunity and, through its interaction with microbiota, can shape our physiology and behavior in complex and sometimes unexpected ways. The insect intestine had remained, by comparison, relatively unexplored until the identification of adult somatic stem cells in the Drosophila intestine over a decade ago. Since then, a growing scientific community has exploited the genetic amenability of this insect organ in powerful and creative ways. By doing so, we have shed light on a broad range of biological questions revolving around stem cells and their niches, interorgan signaling and immunity. Despite their relatively recent discovery, some of the mechanisms active in the intestine of flies have already been shown to be more widely applicable to other gastrointestinal systems, and may therefore become relevant in the context of human pathologies such as gastrointestinal cancers, aging, or obesity. This review summarizes our current knowledge of both the formation and function of the Drosophila melanogaster digestive tract, with a major focus on its main digestive/absorptive portion: the strikingly adaptable adult midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California 94945-1400
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Bruno Lemaitre
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Shonouda M, Osman W. Ultrastructural alterations in sperm formation of the beetle, Blaps polycresta (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) as a biomonitor of heavy metal soil pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:7896-7906. [PMID: 29299863 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about ultrastructural alterations induced by heavy metals pollution in insects. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to elucidate ultrastructural changes in sperm formation of the tenebrionid beetle, Blaps polycresta as a biomonitor of heavy metal soil pollution. Metal percentages in testicular tissues of adult insects collected from reference and polluted sites were estimated using energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Only cadmium, among eight detected metals, showed significantly higher percentages in the polluted testes compared with the reference ones. Ultrastructure investigation revealed severe alterations both in spermatogenic and spermiogenic stages of the polluted insects. Some cells were totally eroded. No spermatozoa were observed in all the examined cysts. Most degenerations were confined to the flagella of spermatids having enlarged vacuolated cytoplasm and malformed mitochondrial derivatives. Groups of multiple axial filaments were appeared in the form of bi-and tetra-flagellate spermatids. Electron dense vesicles were observed in almost all stages of the polluted testes. It is a novel trend in which ultrastructural alterations in sperm formation of insects could be used as a promising biomonitoring and risk assessment tool for heavy metal soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Shonouda
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Wafaa Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Osman W, Shonouda M. X-ray metal assessment and ovarian ultrastructure alterations of the beetle, Blaps polycresta (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), inhabiting polluted soil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14867-14876. [PMID: 28477258 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9095-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
X-ray analysis was applied to estimate the percentages of heavy metals in ovarian tissues of the tenebrionid beetle, Blaps polycresta. Calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, cadmium, copper, and zinc were the most common detected metals in ovaries of insects collected from reference and polluted sites. Only cadmium showed significantly higher percentages in the polluted ovaries compared with the reference ones. Ultrastructure investigation revealed severe alterations in polluted ovaries both in the tropharium and in the vitellarium. Contraction of nuclear membrane of trophocytes was observed; therefore, cavities and spaces appeared in the cytoplasm followed by nuclear pyknosis. In the vitellarium, fragmentation of chromatin materials in nuclei of the follicular cells was detected. The cytoplasm was poor in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Damage of yolk bodies occurred in addition to break off in the layer of microvilli. Accumulation of electron-dense vesicles and multivesicular bodies were observed in both reference and polluted ovaries. These alterations in ovarian ultrastructure of B. polycresta show the severe impact of cadmium pollution on cell organelles of insects and could be used as an interesting tool for monitoring heavy metals inside the body organs due to soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Mourad Shonouda
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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11
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Shirley MDF, Sibly RM. GENETIC BASIS OF A BETWEEN-ENVIRONMENT TRADE-OFF INVOLVING RESISTANCE TO CADMIUM IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. Evolution 2017; 53:826-836. [PMID: 28565631 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1999.tb05376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/1998] [Accepted: 01/08/1999] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a replicated, laboratory, natural selection experiment Drosophila melanogaster populations were maintained for 20 generations either on unpolluted medium or on polluted medium containing cadmium chloride at a concentration of 80 μg/ml. Lines maintained on polluted medium evolved resistance. In comparison with unpolluted lines, their juvenile survivorship increased from 35% to 46%, developmental period decreased from 13.7 days to 13.0 days, and fecundity increased from 3 to 29 eggs per two-day period. Emergence weights, however, did not change. By contrast the "environmental" effect of moving susceptible flies onto polluted medium was that after two generations survivorship fell 62%, developmental period increased 40%, and fecundity fell 97%. Emergence weights fell 31% in females and 28% in males. Resistant lines paid a fitness cost in unpolluted environments, with fecundity being reduced by 44% and emergence weights being reduced by 4% in females and 6% in males. Developmental period, however, was unaffected. Analyses of crosses and backcrosses between the lines suggested that the evolved cadmium resistance was due to a single sex-linked gene. Levels of dominance were calculated, and in each life-history character the resistant allele was found to be completely dominant. Because the life-history effects appear to be produced by a single gene, it is probable that they all depend on the same metabolic pathway. Metallothionein production is a likely candidate because this is known to be controlled by genes on the X-chromosome. The study adds to a small number of examples of single or closely linked genes with large antagonistic pleiotropic effects on life histories. The result here is a between-environment trade-off, allowing animals increased fitness in polluted environments, but only at the cost of reduced growth and reproduction in unpolluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D F Shirley
- School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 228, Reading, RG6 6AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M Sibly
- School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 228, Reading, RG6 6AJ, United Kingdom
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van der Fels-Klerx HJ, Camenzuli L, van der Lee MK, Oonincx DGAB. Uptake of Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic by Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens from Contaminated Substrates. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166186. [PMID: 27846238 PMCID: PMC5112862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects have potential as a novel source of protein in feed and food production in Europe, provided they can be used safely. To date, limited information is available on the safety of insects, and toxic elements are one of the potential hazards of concern. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential accumulation of cadmium, lead and arsenic in larvae of two insect species, Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) and Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), which seem to hold potential as a source of food or feed. An experiment was designed with 14 treatments, each in triplicate, per insect species. Twelve treatments used feed that was spiked with cadmium, lead or arsenic at 0.5, 1 and 2 times the respective maximum allowable levels (ML) in complete feed, as established by the European Commission (EC). Two of the 14 treatments consisted of controls, using non-spiked feed. All insects per container (replicate) were harvested when the first larva in that container had completed its larval stage. Development time, survival rates and fresh weights were similar over all treatments, except for development time and total live weight of the half of the maximum limit treatment for cadmium of the black soldier fly. Bioaccumulation (bioaccumulation factor > 1) was seen in all treatments (including two controls) for lead and cadmium in black soldier fly larvae, and for the three arsenic treatments in the yellow mealworm larvae. In the three cadmium treatments, concentrations of cadmium in black soldier fly larvae are higher than the current EC maximum limit for feed materials. The same was seen for the 1.0 and 2.0 ML treatments of arsenic in the yellow mealworm larvae. From this study, it can be concluded that if insects are used as feed materials, the maximum limits of these elements in complete feed should be revised per insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. J. van der Fels-Klerx
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, NL-6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - L. Camenzuli
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, NL-6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M. K. van der Lee
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, NL-6708 WB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Kalajdzic P, Kenig B, Andjelkovic M. Drosophila subobscura flies adapted to low lead concentration carry no fitness cost. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 204:90-98. [PMID: 25935609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As a response to the long-term presence of heavy metals in the environment, populations can evolve resistance. Its maintenance may have detrimental effect on population's fitness, causing a fitness cost. Lead is one of the widely distributed elements in the environment exhibiting high toxicity on organisms. By analyzing developmental stages viability and developmental time, we evaluated fitness cost in Drosophila subobscura flies adapted to low lead concentration and control flies derived from the same wild population, as well as their hybrids. Significant changes in specific developmental stages viability were detected in both lines, as well as their hybrids, suggesting complex response to low lead concentration. The results show that a long-term exposure to low lead concentration may have a significant impact on a population's survival, especially in a changing environment conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Kalajdzic
- Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Winchesterstr. 2, 35394 Gießen, Germany.
| | - Bojan Kenig
- Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marko Andjelkovic
- Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Vlahović MS, Mataruga VDP, Lazarević JM, Mrdaković MM, Matić DR, Todorović DD, Ilijin LA. Response of α-glucosidase in gypsy moth larvae to acute and chronic dietary cadmium. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2015; 50:285-292. [PMID: 25714460 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2015.999606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of acute and chronic treatments with cadmium at 10 μg Cd/g dry food and 30 μg Cd/g dry food on α-glucosidase activity of the 4th instar larvae of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) as well as subsequent recovery. Enzyme inhibition was recorded during acute exposure to 30 μg Cd/g dry food and during chronic treatment at the lower metal concentration. After three days recovery from 10 μg Cd/g dry food, the α-glucosidase activity returned to the control level. One-way ANOVA showed that cadmium significantly influenced the activity of α-glucosidase during all treatments. The index of phenotypic plasticity was higher during chronic treatment at 10 μg Cd/g dry food than at 30 μg Cd/g as well as during the recovery. We detected four glucosidase isoforms by NATIVE PAGE. The activities and expressions of the isoforms depended on both larval genotype and cadmium treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena S Vlahović
- a Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," University of Belgrade , Belgrade , Serbia
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Nguyen AH, Altomare LE, McElwain MC. Decreased accumulation of cadmium in Drosophila selected for resistance suggests a mechanism independent of metallothionein. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 160:245-9. [PMID: 24929542 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0037-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metals, including cadmium, are common contaminants in environments subject to human activity. Responses to exposure in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, are dosage-dependent and resistance is selectable. While metallothionein-mediated sequestration has been extensively studied as a mechanism of cadmium resistance, a link between selection for resistance and an increased accumulation of cadmium has yet to be demonstrated. To address this need, we have selected wild-type flies for cadmium resistance for 20 generations and tested metal content using mass spectrometry. Resistant flies were observed to contain lower levels of cadmium, arguing for a mechanism of cadmium resistance that is not mediated by increased sequestration. This, coupled with genetic evidence suggesting the involvement of factors located on the X chromosome, suggests a gene other than metallothionein may be involved in resistance in this line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin H Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, USA
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Vlahović M, Ilijin L, Lazarević J, Mrdaković M, Gavrilović A, Matić D, Mataruga VP. Cadmium-induced changes of gypsy moth larval mass and protease activity. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 160:9-14. [PMID: 24230976 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium uptake takes place mainly through food. Lymantria dispar larvae were exposed to dietary cadmium in concentrations of 10 and 30μg Cd/g dry food (NOEC, no-observed-effect and LOEC, lowest-observed-effect concentration, respectively) for acute and chronic treatment and recovery. We established that metal contamination decreased mass only during the chronic treatment at 30μg Cd/dry food with no recovery on removal of cadmium for 3days. Significant reduction of protease activity was detected at LOEC after the acute and chronic treatments. Protease showed enhanced plasticity with regard to the fitness trait (mass) during environmental stress and the higher cadmium load, when it changed. The statistically significant higher index of phenotypic plasticity for protease correlated with lower variability. Protease isoforms at the same cadmium treatments differed between genotypes, while some protease isoforms from one egg-mass differed between cadmium treatments. Owing to the low sensitivity and plasticity of mass change during exposure to cadmium, as well as its small influence, we concluded that larval mass is not a good indicator of cadmium presence in food. We suggest that proteases, with further research, might be a suitable indicator of dietary cadmium contamination, as well as nutriment utilization during heavy metal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Vlahović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Larisa Ilijin
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelica Lazarević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mrdaković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anja Gavrilović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Matić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Perić Mataruga
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
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Konopka JK, Hanyu K, Macfie SM, McNeil JN. Does the Response of Insect Herbivores to Cadmium Depend on Their Feeding Strategy? J Chem Ecol 2013; 39:546-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-013-0273-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Mirčić D, Blagojević D, Perić-Mataruga V, Ilijin L, Mrdaković M, Vlahović M, Lazarević J. Cadmium effects on the fitness-related traits and antioxidative defense of Lymantria dispar L. larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:209-18. [PMID: 22773332 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-1057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium, like many other pollutants, is nondegradable and can be accumulated by Lymantria dispar at a level that affects fitness components, physiology, and development, which could indicate presence of environment pollution by heavy metals. The cadmium effect on fitness-related traits in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar of L. dispar L. was determined. Furthermore, activities of the following antioxidative defense components after the larvae had been fed on the artificial cadmium-supplemented diet (50 μg Cd/g dry food) were assessed: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), total glutathione amount (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and the amount of free sulfhydryl (SH) groups. Statistically significant delay of development in the fourth, fifth, and sixth instar and decrease of the larval mass in the third and fourth instar were estimated after the exposure to cadmium through food in comparison to the control. There were no changes in SOD activity of cadmium-treated larvae. Significantly lower CAT, APOX, and GR activities were recorded in the third, fifth, and in the third instar, respectively. At the same time, higher activity was recorded in the sixth instar, while GST activity was higher in the third. GSH content was significantly lower during all instars after treatment but the amount of SH groups was higher in older larvae. The strategy of antioxidative defense and the adjustment or modulation of fitness-related traits in presence of cadmium was dependent on the age of larvae in L. dispar, which might be used in early metal risk assessment in Lepidoptera and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Mirčić
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića bb, 36 300 Novi Pazar, Serbia.
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19
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Molnár L, Engelmann P, Somogyi I, Mácsik LL, Pollák E. Cold-stress induced formation of calcium and phosphorous rich chloragocyte granules (chloragosomes) in the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 163:199-209. [PMID: 22710253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The cytochemical and functional characteristics of chloragocytes of both 'control' and cold-stressed Eisenia fetida were examined. Flow cytometry revealed the heterogeneity of chloragocytes: the first group was characterized by low, the second one by high acid phosphatase (AcP) content. In 'control' animals the former, in cold-stressed ones the latter type were the dominant form. The elevated AcP-activity correlated with the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles (AVs) in chloragocytes. Both AVs and all small chloragosomes showed high AcP activity, while most of the large chloragosomes did not display any. Most 'control' granules (0.75-1.25 μm) contained high amounts of Ca and P, with less and variable quantities of S, Cl, K, Fe and Zn. Small chloragosomes with low Ca and P concentrations were seldom found. In cold-stressed animals the number of small granules (0.25-0.75 μm) increased up to 40% of total population. Their Ca and P contents were significantly lower; S and Fe concentrations were higher than those of large chloragosomes (1.0-1.5 μm). Our results prove that the formation and elemental composition of chloragosomes can be influenced by environmental stressors and suggest that the mature chloragosomes are tertiary lysosomes and their formation is coupled to autophagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Molnár
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Ifjúság u. 6, Hungary.
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20
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Atanesyan L, Günther V, Celniker SE, Georgiev O, Schaffner W. Characterization of MtnE, the fifth metallothionein member in Drosophila. J Biol Inorg Chem 2011; 16:1047-56. [PMID: 21870250 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-011-0825-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) constitute a family of cysteine-rich, low molecular weight metal-binding proteins which occur in almost all forms of life. They bind physiological metals, such as zinc and copper, as well as nonessential, toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury, and silver. MT expression is regulated at the transcriptional level by metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF-1), which binds to the metal-response elements (MREs) in the enhancer/promoter regions of MT genes. Drosophila was thought to have four MT genes, namely, MtnA, MtnB, MtnC, and MtnD. Here we characterize a new fifth member of Drosophila MT gene family, coding for metallothionein E (MtnE). The MtnE transcription unit is located head-to-head with the one of MtnD. The intervening sequence contains four MREs which bind, with different affinities, to MTF-1. Both of the divergently transcribed MT genes are completely dependent on MTF-1, whereby MtnE is consistently more strongly transcribed. MtnE expression is induced in response to heavy metals, notably copper, mercury, and silver, and is upregulated in a genetic background where the other four MTs are missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilit Atanesyan
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Pb2+: an endocrine disruptor in Drosophila? Physiol Behav 2009; 99:254-9. [PMID: 19800356 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to Pb(2+) affects hormone-mediated responses in vertebrates. To help establish the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system for studying such disruption, we describe effects of Pb(2+) on hormonally regulated traits. These include duration of development, longevity, females' willingness to mate, fecundity and adult locomotor activity. Developmental Pb(2+) exposure has been shown to affect gene expression in a specific region of the Drosophila genome (approximately 122 genes) involved in lead-induced changes in adult locomotion and to affect regulation of intracellular calcium levels associated with neuronal activity at identified synapses in the larval neuromuscular junction. We suggest ways in which Drosophila could become a new model system for the study of endocrine disruptors at genetic, neural and behavioral levels of analysis, particularly by use of genomic methods. This will facilitate efforts to distinguish between behavioral effects of Pb(2+) caused by direct action on neural mechanisms versus effects of Pb(+2) on behavior mediated through endocrine disruption.
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Vlahović M, Lazarević J, Perić-Mataruga V, Ilijin L, Mrdaković M. Plastic responses of larval mass and alkaline phosphatase to cadmium in the gypsy moth larvae. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2009; 72:1148-1155. [PMID: 18472163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 03/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical analyses can point to toxicant presence before its effects can be detected at higher organizational levels. We investigated responses of larval mass and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to different cadmium treatments in 4th instar gypsy moth larvae from 20 full-sib families. Changes in trait values and trait plasticities as well as their variation were monitored after acute and chronic exposure or recovery from two cadmium concentrations (Cd(1)=10microg and Cd(2)=30microg Cd/g dry food). Larval mass only decreased, without returning to the control level at recovery stage following chronic cadmium challenge. Acute stress did not change trait value but increased genetic variance of larval mass. Significant ALP activity changes, sensitivity of isozyme patterns (Mr of 60, 64, and 85kDa) and increased variation in ALP plasticity during acute exposure to cadmium point to its possible aplication as an exposure biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Vlahović
- Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research Sinisa Stanković, Despot Stefan Blvd. 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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23
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Balamurugan K, Egli D, Hua H, Rajaram R, Seisenbacher G, Georgiev O, Schaffner W. Copper homeostasis in Drosophila by complex interplay of import, storage and behavioral avoidance. EMBO J 2007; 26:1035-44. [PMID: 17290228 PMCID: PMC1852831 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2006] [Accepted: 12/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential but potentially toxic trace element. In Drosophila, the metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF-1) plays a dual role in copper homeostasis: at limiting copper concentrations, it induces the Ctr1B copper importer gene, whereas at high copper concentrations, it mainly induces the metallothionein genes. Here we find that, despite the downregulation of the Ctr1B gene at high copper concentrations, the protein persists on the plasma membrane of intestinal cells for many hours and thereby fills the intracellular copper stores. Drosophila may risk excessive copper accumulation for the potential benefit of overcoming a period of copper scarcity. Indeed, we find that copper-enriched flies donate a vital supply to their offspring, allowing the following generation to thrive on low-copper food. We also describe two additional modes of copper handling: behavioral avoidance of food containing high (>or=0.5 mM) copper levels, as well as the ability of DmATP7, the Drosophila homolog of Wilson/Menkes disease copper exporters, to counteract copper toxicity. Regulated import, storage, export, and avoidance of high-copper food establish an adequate copper homeostasis under variable environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dieter Egli
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Haiqing Hua
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rama Rajaram
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Oleg Georgiev
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Schaffner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Balamurugan K, Schaffner W. Copper homeostasis in eukaryotes: Teetering on a tightrope. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2006; 1763:737-46. [PMID: 16784785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2006.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2006] [Revised: 04/28/2006] [Accepted: 05/05/2006] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The transition metal copper is an essential trace element for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, intracellular free copper has to be strictly limited due to its toxic side effects, not least the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via redox cycling. Thus, all organisms have sophisticated copper homeostasis mechanisms that regulate uptake, distribution, sequestration and export of copper. From insects to mammals, metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF-1), a zinc finger transcription factor, controls expression of metallothioneins and other components involved in heavy metal homeostasis. In the fruit fly Drosophila, MTF-1 paradoxically acts as an activator under both high and low copper concentrations. Namely, under high copper conditions, MTF-1 activates metallothioneins in order to protect the cell, while under low copper conditions MTF-1 activates the copper importer Ctr1B in order to acquire scarce copper from the surroundings. This review highlights the current knowledge of copper homeostasis in eukaryotes with a focus on Drosophila and the role of MTF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Kalajdzic P, Stamenkovic-Radak M, Andjelkovic M. The effect of different concentrations of lead on inversion polymorphism in Drosophilasubobscura. Hereditas 2006; 143:41-6. [PMID: 17362332 DOI: 10.1111/j.2006.0018-0661.01939.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila subobscura is a wild Drosophila species that is spread over almost all of Europe. It possesses an uniquely rich inversion polymorphism on all five long chromosomes. This polymorphism is to a certain degree associated with the variation and dynamics of ecological factors in space and time. We analyzed the changes of inversion polymorphism components of Drosophila subobscura flies maintained on media with different concentrations of lead in laboratory conditions. The effects of lead on inversion polymorphism were observed by cytological analysis of gene arrangements on all of the five acrocentric chromosomes, as well as by cytological analysis of karyotypes on all of the four autosomes. The frequencies of particular gene arrangements on the four autosomes changed significantly in the samples maintained on medium not supplemented with lead. The frequencies of some gene arrangements on all of the five acrocentric chromosomes changed significantly in the flies maintained on media supplemented with lead. The length of exposure to different lead concentrations results in a significant change in the frequency of a few gene arrangements on two autosomes. However, the results show that different concentrations of lead, as well as the length of exposure, do not affect major parameters of inversion polymorphism. The results suggest that some gene arrangements could be linked with adaptive processes in evolving heavy metal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kalajdzic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Egli D, Yepiskoposyan H, Selvaraj A, Balamurugan K, Rajaram R, Simons A, Multhaup G, Mettler S, Vardanyan A, Georgiev O, Schaffner W. A family knockout of all four Drosophila metallothioneins reveals a central role in copper homeostasis and detoxification. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 26:2286-96. [PMID: 16508004 PMCID: PMC1430275 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.26.6.2286-2296.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2005] [Revised: 10/03/2005] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins are ubiquitous, small, cysteine-rich proteins with the ability to bind heavy metals. In spite of their biochemical characterization, their in vivo function remains elusive. Here, we report the generation of a metallothionein gene family knockout in Drosophila melanogaster by targeted disruption of all four genes (MtnA to -D). These flies are viable if raised in standard laboratory food. During development, however, they are highly sensitive to copper, cadmium, and (to a lesser extent) zinc load. Metallothionein expression is particularly important for male viability; while copper load during development affects males and females equally, adult males lacking metallothioneins display a severely reduced life span, possibly due to copper-mediated oxidative stress. Using various reporter gene constructs, we find that different metallothioneins are expressed with virtually the same tissue specificity in larvae, notably in the intestinal tract at sites of metal accumulation, including the midgut's "copper cells." The same expression pattern is observed with a synthetic minipromoter consisting only of four tandem metal response elements. From these and other experiments, we conclude that tissue specificity of metallothionein expression is a consequence, rather than a cause, of metal distribution in the organism. The bright orange luminescence of copper accumulated in copper cells of the midgut is severely reduced in the metallothionein gene family knockout, as well as in mutants of metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1), the main regulator of metallothionein expression. This indicates that an in vivo metallothionein-copper complex forms the basis of this luminescence. Strikingly, metallothionein mutants show an increased, MTF-1-dependent induction of metallothionein promoters in response to copper, cadmium, silver, zinc, and mercury. We conclude that free metal, but not metallothionein-bound metal, triggers the activation of MTF-1 and that metallothioneins regulate their own expression by a negative feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Egli
- IMB Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Sterenborg I, Roelofs D. Field-selected cadmium tolerance in the springtail Orchesella cincta is correlated with increased metallothionein mRNA expression. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 33:741-747. [PMID: 12826101 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(03)00070-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Populations of the springtail Orchesella cincta that live in metal contaminated soils have developed tolerance to cadmium by increased metal retention in the midgut epithelium and excretion at every moult. Regulation of the MT gene was studied in a tolerant population (Plombières, Belgium) and a laboratory culture. Animals were exposed to a range of concentrations of cadmium in the food (0-1.5 microM Cd/g food). RNA was extracted after 5-14 days of cadmium exposure and used for Northern blot analysis to quantify MT mRNA. MT expression levels were significantly higher (p <0.01) in individuals from laboratory-raised strains originating from the soils of the metal contaminated forest Plombières (2.4- to 7.8-fold expression) compared to the reference population (1.5- to 2.4-fold expression). No variable sites were found in the complete MT coding sequence. Southern blot analysis suggests that in both populations the gene is not tandemly repeated. This is the first evidence of evolution of metal tolerance via gene regulation of MT in a natural population. These data indicate a higher fitness of the tolerant population in the polluted environment due to selection of high MT expression phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Sterenborg
- Department of Animal Ecology, Institute of Ecological Science, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Reinecke SA, Prinsloo MW, Reinecke AJ. Resistance of Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) to cadmium after long-term exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 1999; 42:75-80. [PMID: 9931242 DOI: 10.1006/eesa.1998.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The reliance on earthworms as test organisms in risk assessment studies of polluted environments raises the question whether they can evolve resistance, e.g., by adaptation to specific toxicants. Protection criteria may be biased if sensitivity data from adapted populations are used. Increased resistance to the heavy metal cadmium has not yet been determined for terrestrial Oligochaeta. Eisenia fetida was exposed to a sublethal concentration of cadmium sulfate for more than 10 generations. Clitellate worms from this culture were used in experiments to determine the extent of possible tolerance for the heavy metal. Preexposed animals as well as worms with no previous history of exposure to cadmium were exposed to a control substrate without cadmium and also to two substrates with 600 and 1200 microg g-1 cadmium. Changes in biomass, cocoon production, and hatching success were monitored. The results obtained indicated that in both substrates in which cadmium was present the preexposed worms performed better than the unexposed worms with respect to growth rate but not reproductively. In the substrate without cadmium the preexposed worms exhibited signs of poisoning after a few weeks. Preexposed and unexposed worms were also exposed to concentrations of 1500 to 4000 microg g-1 cadmium sulfate in an artisol medium for a period of 2 weeks. The preexposed worms survived higher concentrations of cadmium than the unexposed group and some specimens from the unexposed group had a gross increase in body fluids. It is concluded that worms with a long-term history of exposure to the metal developed resistance to cadmium.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Reinecke
- Department of Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South
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Hensbergen PJ, Donker MH, Van Velzen MJ, Roelofs D, Van Der Schors RC, Hunziker PE, Van Straalen NM. Primary structure of a cadmium-induced metallothionein from the insect Orchesella cincta (Collembola). EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1999; 259:197-203. [PMID: 9914493 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The induction of metallothionein was studied in the springtail Orchesella cincta (Collembola), a species of insect living in forest soils. Upon dietary exposure to Cd, two Cd-binding, cysteine-rich peptides were isolated from whole-body homogenates, using gel filtration and reversed-phase FPLC. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the molecular masses of these peptides were 2989 Da and 4139 Da, respectively. Amino acid sequencing of the 2989-Da peptide resulted in a sequence typical for a metallothionein. Sequencing of the 4139-Da protein was unsuccessful, probably due to N-terminal blockage. Using different PCR techniques (3' and 5' RACE) with (degenerate) primers based on the identified amino acid sequence of the 2989 Da peptide, a metallothionein cDNA was isolated. The sequence of this cDNA potentially codes for a protein of 77 amino acids. The 2989 Da peptide corresponds to the C-terminal part of this protein. The 4139-Da protein is probably encoded by the N-terminal part of this protein. These results suggest that the identified peptides are products of one gene, and that the primary gene product is subject to post-translational processing. The deduced amino acid sequence of the O. cincta metallothionein shows low sequence similarity with metallothioneins from Drosophila. The similarity between O. cincta MT and MTs of invertebrates is not higher than that between O. cincta and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Hensbergen
- Department of Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam,The Netherlands.
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30
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Bonneton F, Théodore L, Silar P, Maroni G, Wegnez M. Response of Drosophila metallothionein promoters to metallic, heat shock and oxidative stresses. FEBS Lett 1996; 380:33-8. [PMID: 8603742 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(95)01544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The metallothionein system in Drosophila melanogaster is composed of two genes, Mtn and Mto. In order to compare the induction properties of these genes, we transformed D. melanogaster with P-element vectors containing Adh and lacZ reporter genes under the control of Mtn and Mto promoters, respectively. Mtn and Mto transgenes are mainly expressed in digestive tract. However, Mtn expression has been detected also in the fat body. Mtn and Mto transgenes respond differently to metallic, heat-shock and oxidative stresses. These data confirm that both genes are in part functionally different.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bonneton
- Laboratoire d'Embryologie Moléculaire et Expérimentale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris XI, France
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Posthuma L, Van Straalen NM. Heavy-metal adaptation in terrestrial invertebrates: A review of occurrence, genetics, physiology and ecological consequences. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/0742-8413(93)90251-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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32
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Muller JP, Wouters-Tyrou D, Erraiss NE, Vedel M, Touzet N, Mesnard J, Sautiere P, Wegnez M. Molecular cloning and expression of a metallothionein mRNA in Xenopus laevis. DNA Cell Biol 1993; 12:341-9. [PMID: 8494610 DOI: 10.1089/dna.1993.12.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MT) are expressed during early development in species of several groups. To understand MT function in developmental processes, we studied the MT system of Xenopus laevis, a model vertebrate species in experimental embryology. We first purified and sequenced the liver MT from copper-treated animals. This 62-amino-acid protein shares the main structural properties of known vertebrate MT, and is more closely related to avian than to fish or mammalian MT. Using this sequence, we designed oligonucleotide primers to amplify and isolate a MT clone from a XL2 cell line cDNA library. This 752-bp cDNA encodes a putative 62-amino-acid-long protein that is 100% identical with the sequenced MT. Zinc, cadmium, and copper ions are very efficient inducers of MT mRNA accumulation in Xenopus liver and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Muller
- Laboratoire d'Embryologie Moléculaire et Expérimentale, Unité de Recherche Associée, Université Paris XI, Orsay, France
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33
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Theodore L, Ho AS, Maroni G. Recent evolutionary history of the metallothionein gene Mtn in Drosophila. Genet Res (Camb) 1991; 58:203-10. [PMID: 1802803 DOI: 10.1017/s0016672300029955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A new allele of one of the metallothionein genes of D. melanogaster, Mtn.3, sheds light on the recent evolution of this gene. In comparison to the previously studied Mtn1 allele found in Canton S, this new allele, Mtn.3, produces a transcript that is 49 bases longer and 65-70% less abundant. We detected Mtn.3 in several laboratory strains as well as in isofemale lines derived from natural populations. Sequence comparison showed that Mtn.3 differs from Mtn1 in that it has: (a) base-pair substitution and an extra 49 bp-segment in the 3' untranslated region, (b) a substitution in the coding region that replaces the terminal Glu40 in Mtn1 with Lys40, and (c) two base-pair substitutions in the promoter region. The Mtn.3-type was detected in six species of the melanogaster group by restriction analysis, and this result was confirmed by sequencing the D. simulans Mtn gene. Thus Mtn.3, which produces a less abundant transcript, appears to be the oldest of the two alleles. We also found that the duplications previously isolated from natural populations all derived from Mtn1, the more recent allele. Thus, two evolutionary steps: Mtn.3 to Mtn1 and Mtn1 to Dp(Mtn1), are accompanied by an overall 5- to 6-fold increase of RNA accumulation. The two changes seem to have occurred in non-African populations since Mtn.3 but not Mtn1 was detected in our sample from tropical Africa, while Mtn1 and Dp (Mtn1) are prevalent in European and North American samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Theodore
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-3280
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Silar P, Théodore L, Mokdad R, Erraïss NE, Cadic A, Wegnez M. Metallothionein Mto gene of Drosophila melanogaster: structure and regulation. J Mol Biol 1990; 215:217-24. [PMID: 1976815 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2836(05)80340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We report the sequence of the Mto gene, one of the two known metallothionein genes of Drosophila melanogaster, and compare its structure with that of the other metallothionein gene, Mtn. The main structural features are the presence of a small intron (61 base-pairs), the presence of four potential MREs (metal regulatory elements) and the absence of a TATA box in the promoter region. Of all metals tested, Hg2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ are the most efficient ions for inducing an increase in Mto gene transcription. The Mto and Mtn genes are differentially regulated during normal development. Transcription of Mto is detected early in embryogenesis (0 to 3 h) and persists to the third larval instar, while Mtn expression starts later in embryogenesis (12 to 15 h) and is thereafter maintained throughout larval development and adult stages. Sequencing of the Mto protein is in good agreement with the nucleic acid data. Surprisingly, attempts to isolate and characterize the Mtn protein were unsuccessful. Several lines of evidence suggest that this metallothionein is rapidly incorporated after its synthesis into lysosomes, where it would be processed in a way that would not permit its purification. The function of the Mtn protein thus appears to be mainly related to detoxification processes. The pattern of expression of Mto suggests that this gene may be involved in the control of metal homeostasis during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Silar
- Unité de Recherche Associée, 1134 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris XI, Orsay, France
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Abstract
The metallothionein system in Drosophila melanogaster is composed of two genes, Mto and Mtn, that code for distinctly different proteins. In order to compare the properties of Mto and Mtn, we transformed yeast with several fusion plasmids. The Mto and Mtn cDNAs, when placed under the control of CUP1 or PGK promoters, can confer a copper-resistance phenotype to copper-hypersensitive cells. Both Mto and Mtn proteins can be characterized in extracts from transformed yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Silar
- Unité de Recherche Associée D1134 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris XI, Orsay, France
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