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Gu S, Wang J, Gao X, Zheng X, Liu Y, Chen Y, Sun L, Zhu J. Expression and Functional Analysis of the Metallothionein and Metal-Responsive Transcription Factor 1 in Phascolosoma esculenta under Zn Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7368. [PMID: 39000475 PMCID: PMC11242308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are non-enzymatic metal-binding proteins widely found in animals, plants, and microorganisms and are regulated by metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF1). MT and MTF1 play crucial roles in detoxification, antioxidation, and anti-apoptosis. Therefore, they are key factors allowing organisms to endure the toxicity of heavy metal pollution. Phascolosoma esculenta is a marine invertebrate that inhabits intertidal zones and has a high tolerance to heavy metal stress. In this study, we cloned and identified MT and MTF1 genes from P. esculenta (designated as PeMT and PeMTF1). PeMT and PeMTF1 were widely expressed in all tissues and highly expressed in the intestine. When exposed to 16.8, 33.6, and 84 mg/L of zinc ions, the expression levels of PeMT and PeMTF1 in the intestine increased first and then decreased, peaking at 12 and 6 h, respectively, indicating that both PeMT and PeMTF1 rapidly responded to Zn stress. The recombinant pGEX-6p-1-MT protein enhanced the Zn tolerance of Escherichia coli and showed a dose-dependent ABTS free radical scavenging ability. After RNA interference (RNAi) with PeMT and 24 h of Zn stress, the oxidative stress indices (MDA content, SOD activity, and GSH content) and the apoptosis indices (Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and Caspase 9 activities) were significantly increased, implying that PeMT plays an important role in Zn detoxification, antioxidation, and anti-apoptosis. Moreover, the expression level of PeMT in the intestine was significantly decreased after RNAi with PeMTF1 and 24 h of Zn stress, which preliminarily proved that PeMTF1 has a regulatory effect on PeMT. Our data suggest that PeMT and PeMTF1 play important roles in the resistance of P. esculenta to Zn stress and are the key factors allowing P. esculenta to endure the toxicity of Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenwei Gu
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jingqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xuebin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yiner Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Lianlian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Yang J, Guo Y, Hu J, Bao Z, Wang M. A metallothionein gene from hard clam Meretrix meretrix: Sequence features, expression patterns, and metal tolerance activities. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 149:105057. [PMID: 37708948 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular weight cytoplasmic heavy metal binding proteins. MTs can regulate the concentration of essential or non-essential metals in organisms, and have many important biological functions, including detoxification, trace element metabolism, and anti-oxidation. In the present study, we cloned and characterized a metallothionein gene (designated as MmMT) from the hard clam Meretrix meretrix. The complete cDNA sequence of MmMT contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 629 bp, which encoded a protein of 76 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 7.66 kDa and a calculated theoretical isoelectric point of 7.24. MmMT is highly similar to previously identified MTs from other species, with typical metallothionein features such as a high cysteine residue content and the absence of histidine and aromatic residues. The mRNA transcripts of MmMT were prevalent in all the tested tissues, and the expression levels of MmMT were highest in the hepatopancreas and hemocytes. During the stimulation of Vibrio splendidus, the mRNA transcripts of MmMT in the hepatopancreas and hemocytes were significantly increased. The Escherichia coli overexpressing MmMT performed strong growth in the media supplemented with CdCl2 and CuSO4 compared to the control strains. These results provide useful information for further investigation of the functions of MmMT in metal detoxification and the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Ying Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Jingjie Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572024, China; Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572024, China; Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Mengqiang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institute, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572024, China; Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, 572024, China.
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Liu Y, Wu Z, Guo K, Zhou Y, Xing K, Zheng J, Sun Y, Zhang J. Metallothionein-1 gene from Exopalaemon carinicauda and its response to heavy metal ions challenge. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113324. [PMID: 35051848 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113324] [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: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to a conserved low-molecular-weight protein family that participates in heavy metal binding and detoxification. EcMT-1 was amplified by PCR from genomic DNA of Exopalaenon carinicauda. It contained a 180 bp open reading frame and encoded 59 amino acids. A total of 18 cysteine (Cys) residues were found in the deduced amino acid sequence, which was consistent with the Cys-rich characteristics of MTs. EcMT-1 was mainly expressed in hepatopancreas, followed by stomach and gill. The expression profiles of EcMT-1 indicated that EcMT-1 was significantly increased at 24, 48 h and 12, 24, and 48 h under the treatment of 2.5 μmol/L CdCl2 and 50 μmol/L CuSO4. The expression of EcMT-1 at gastrula stage was very low; it was detectable until nauplius stage, and the highest expression level appeared in the postlarvae stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Kun Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yongzhao Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Kefan Xing
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Jiaqi Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yuying Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
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Peruzza L, Thatje S, Hauton C. Acclimation to cyclic hypoxia improves thermal tolerance and copper survival in the caridean shrimp Palaemon varians. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 259:111010. [PMID: 34102295 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In response to the continuous variation of environmental parameters, species must be able to adjust their physiology to overcome stressful conditions, a process known as acclimatization. Numerous laboratory studies have been conducted to understand and describe the mechanisms of acclimation to one environmental stressor (e.g. cyclic hypoxia), but currently our understanding of how acclimation to one stressor can change tolerance to a subsequent stressor is limited. Here, in two different experiments, we used the shrimp Palaemon varians to test how, following 28-days acclimation to cyclic hypoxia (mimicking a cyclic hypoxic regime currently found in its natural habitat), critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and sensitivity to copper (Cu2+) exposure (30 mgL-1) changed in comparison to shrimp acclimated to normoxic conditions and then exposed to thermal stress or Cu2+. Acclimation to cyclic hypoxia improved both CTmax (~1 °C higher than controls) and survival to acute Cu2+ exposure (~30% higher than controls) and induced significant gene expression changes (i.e. up-regulation of heat shock protein 70 - HSP70, hypoxia inducible factor - HIF, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase - PEPCK, glucose 6-P transporter - G6Pt, metallothionein - Mt, and down-regulation of hemocyanin - Hem) in animals acclimated to cyclic hypoxia. Our results demonstrate how acclimation to cyclic hypoxia improved tolerance to subsequent stressors, highlighting the complexity of predicting organismal performance in variable (i.e. where multiple parameters can simultaneously change during the day) environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Peruzza
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
| | - Sven Thatje
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Chris Hauton
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
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Wang X, Gao Q, Liu X, Wang XP, Lei C, Sayed WAA, Zhu F. Metallothionein in Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a potential biomarker for organic waste system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:5379-5385. [PMID: 29209974 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0856-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), is an important economic fly as its larvae can be used for recycling organic waste, such as food waste and manure. H. illucens larvae (BSFL) could uptake Cd from substrates and accumulate it inside bodies, which need to be monitored during waste treatment. Metallothionein (MT) usually serve as biomarker because of its role in metal homeostasis, detoxification, and dose response of heavy metals. Therefore, a MT gene was cloned from H. illucens (HIMT) that encoded 40 amino acids with typical cysteine rich features, which had a high sequence identity with other insect MTs. The expression of HIMT and total MT protein was measured in BSFL fed by meals spiked with gradient dose of Cd (0, 5, 50, 500 mg/kg) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Dose-associated response of HIMT and total MT were found and the possible correlative range of Cd was from 5 to 50 mg/kg. The expression of HIMT might be a potential biomarker for monitoring Cd contamination by H. illucens in terrestrial organic matters, which might further apply in waste transformation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Wang
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Waste Conversion by Insects, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Gao
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Waste Conversion by Insects, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Waste Conversion by Insects, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Waheed A A Sayed
- Biological Application Department, Nuclear Research Centre, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fen Zhu
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Waste Conversion by Insects, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Liu GD, Sheng Z, Hou CC, Ni J, Han YL, Wang YF, Zhou Y, Fu SY, Zhu JQ. Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of metallothionein in the liver of the teleost Acrossocheilus fasciatus exposed to cadmium chloride. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 53:1-9. [PMID: 28482255 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.03.020] [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: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) has a characteristic molecular structure with a cysteine-rich content. This unique structure provides metal-binding and redox capabilities and promoting metal homeostasis and detoxification in living animals. In order to evaluate the effects of cadmium (Cd) on hepatic MT expression in the liver of Acrossocheilus fasciatus, we obtained the complete cDNA of the A. fasciatus liver MT for the first time. The MT cDNA contains a 605-bp sequence, which codes for 60 amino acids. Protein alignment showed that the similarity between MT protein sequences of A. fasciatus and those of other vertebrates (especially teleosts) was very high and a cysteine residue structure was also conserved. MT was detected in the liver, kidney, gill, testis, muscle, spleen, heart and brain tissues of A. fasciatus by tissue-specific expression analysis. After Cd exposure, Cd/hemoglobin saturation assay, immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to describe MT expression in liver tissue. These techniques indicate a sensitive response by liver MT to Cd exposure. The results suggest that A. fasciatus MT may play an important role in the detoxification processes in the liver, and also would be a useful biomarker for monitoring metal pollution in aquatic environments. In addition, A. fasciatus could be regarded as one candidate for a model species for bony fishes in ecotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Di Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Zhang Sheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jie Ni
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Ying-Li Han
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - You-Fa Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Su-Yan Fu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China.
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Wang C, Sheng J, Hong Y, Peng K, Wang J, Wu D, Shi J, Hu B. Molecular characterization and expression of metallothionein from freshwater pearl mussel, Hyriopsis schlegelii. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2016; 80:1327-35. [PMID: 26931774 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1153954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Two metallothionein genes (HsMT1 and HsMT2) were first identified and described from Hyriopsis schlegelii. The open reading frame of HsMT1 and HsMT2 were 216 and 222 bp, encoding a protein of 71 and 73 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequences showed they contained parts of typical MT characteristics, apart from HsMT2 lacked Cys-Cys motifs. The phylogenetic tree showed HsMT1 shared a high similarity with that of other molluscs, but HsMT2 was split into a distinct group separated from known molluscan MTs. HsMT1 exhibited constitutive expression in all examined tissues and the highest expression occurred in hepatopancreas, however, nearly all HsMT2 was just detected in gonad. After Cd exposure, their mRNA levels presented similar expression patterns. The transgenic bacteria of HsMT1 showed higher tolerance than HsMT2 in Cd environment. It was implied that HsMT1 and HsMT2 were involved in metal response but HsMT2 might have other physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyuan Wang
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Junqing Sheng
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Yijiang Hong
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China.,b Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Jiangxi , Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China
| | - Kou Peng
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Junhua Wang
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Di Wu
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Jianwu Shi
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Beijuan Hu
- a College of Life Sciences , Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
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Han YL, Sheng Z, Liu GD, Long LL, Wang YF, Yang WX, Zhu JQ. Cloning, characterization and cadmium inducibility of metallothionein in the testes of the mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 119:1-8. [PMID: 25958029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich, low molecular weight, and heavy metal-binding protein molecules. MT participates in metallic homeostasis and detoxification in living animals due to its abundant cysteine. In order to investigate the functions of MT during spermiogenesis in the mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris), we identified the MT complete which contains: an 83bp 5' untranslated region, a 110bp 3' untranslated region, and a 183bp open reading frame. The protein alignment between MT sequences of other species shows a high similarity and a strong identity in cysteine residues vital for the metal-binding affinity of MT. The localizations of MT were mainly in the cytoplasm of germinal cells, indicating a role in spermatogenesis and testis protection. After the cadmium (Cd) exposure, the testis presents abnormal morphology and MT mRNA expression, both of which indicate a sensitive response of testis MT to Cd. Therefore, we suggest that MTs play an important role in spermatogenesis and testes protection against Cd toxicity in B. pectinirostris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Li Han
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Sheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Di Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Li Long
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Fa Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China.
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Sheng Z, Yang WX, Zhu JQ. Metallothionein from Pseudosciaena crocea: expression and response to cadmium-induced injury in the testes. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 24:779-794. [PMID: 25680968 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of stress proteins that are involved in the process of detoxification and anti-oxidation. Previous studies have focused mostly on the expression and functions of MTs in the non-reproductive tissues of aquatic vertebrates. However, there have been only a few reports regarding the functions of MTs in the reproductive tissues of such vertebrates. In order to investigate the function of MTs during spermatogenesis in Pseudosciaena crocea, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends were performed to obtain the P. crocea MT complete cDNA sequence from the total RNA of the testes for the first time. MT was detected in the liver, kidneys, testes, spleen, gill and muscle of P. crocea by tissue-specific expression analysis. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry staining indicated that the MT protein was localized in germ cells, Sertoli cells and the peripheral connective tissues in P. crocea testes. Furthermore, acute toxicity tests were conducted with cadmium (Cd) to determine the 96 h-medial lethal concentration value. The toxic effects of Cd on the microstructure and ultrastructure of the testes were observed. In addition, the changes in MT mRNA expression levels in the testes after Cd exposure were measured using real-time quantitative PCR. Consequently, we suggest that MTs play an important role in spermatogenesis and testes protection against Cd toxicity in P. crocea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Sheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Liu Z, Sun Y, Su L, Sun Y, Kong S, Chang X, Guo F, Li W, Guo J, Li J. Effects of cisplatin on testicular enzymes and Sertoli cell function in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.2131/fts.2.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li Su
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shibo Kong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junjie Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Liu Y, Wu H, Kou L, Liu X, Zhang J, Guo Y, Ma E. Two metallothionein genes in Oxya chinensis: molecular characteristics, expression patterns and roles in heavy metal stress. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112759. [PMID: 25391131 PMCID: PMC4229212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are small, cysteine-rich, heavy metal-binding proteins involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification in living organisms. In the present study, we cloned two MT genes (OcMT1 and OcMT2) from Oxya chinensis, analyzed the expression patterns of the OcMT transcripts in different tissues and at varying developmental stages using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), evaluated the functions of these two MTs using RNAi and recombinant proteins in an E. coli expression system. The full-length cDNAs of OcMT1 and OcMT2 encoded 40 and 64 amino acid residues, respectively. We found Cys-Cys, Cys-X-Cys and Cys-X-Y-Z-Cys motifs in OcMT1 and OcMT2. These motifs might serve as primary chelating sites, as in other organisms. These characteristics suggest that OcMT1 and OcMT2 may be involved in heavy metal detoxification by capturing the metals. Two OcMT were expressed at all developmental stages, and the highest levels were found in the eggs. Both transcripts were expressed in all eleven tissues examined, with the highest levels observed in the brain and optic lobes, followed by the fat body. The expression of OcMT2 was also relatively high in the ovaries. The functions of OcMT1 and OcMT2 were explored using RNA interference (RNAi) and different concentrations and treatment times for the three heavy metals. Our results indicated that mortality increased significantly from 8.5% to 16.7%, and this increase was both time- and dose-dependent. To evaluate the abilities of these two MT proteins to confer heavy metal tolerance to E. coli, the bacterial cells were transformed with pET-28a plasmids containing the OcMT genes. The optical densities of both the MT-expressing and control cells decreased with increasing concentrations of CdCl2. Nevertheless, the survival rates of the MT-overexpressing cells were higher than those of the controls. Our results suggest that these two genes play important roles in heavy metal detoxification in O. chinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoming Liu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Haihua Wu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Lihua Kou
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Yaping Guo
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Enbo Ma
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
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Zhang J, Wang J, Gui T, Sun Z, Xiang J. A copper-induced metallothionein gene from Exopalaemon carinicauda and its response to heavy metal ions. Int J Biol Macromol 2014; 70:246-50. [PMID: 24971556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A full-length copper-induced metallothionein (EcMT-Cu) cDNA was obtained from Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis) and it contained a 198 bp open reading frame that encoded a peptide with 65 amino acid residues. Twenty-one cysteines were found in deduced amino acid sequence and the cysteine (Cys)-rich characteristic was also reported in different types of metallothioneins from other species. EcMT-Cu mRNA expression profile showed that it is the hepatopancreas specific gene. The expression of EcMT-Cu was extremely different when shrimp were exposed to seawater containing 50 μM CuSO4 or 2.5 μM CdCl2. The expression of EcMT-Cu in shrimp was significantly up-regulated at 12 and 24 h after exposure to CuSO4, however, its expression was not induced compared to that of pretreatment (p>0.05) when shrimp were exposed to CdCl2. The transcript of EcMT-Cu was found to be extremely low at gastrula and nauplius stage and expression of EcMT-Cu could be detected from egg protozoa stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Tianshu Gui
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
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Ma W, He Y, Yan T, Wang L. Tissue-specific copper accumulation, zinc levels, induction, and purification of metallothionein in freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense exposed to subacute waterborne copper. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2014; 29:407-417. [PMID: 22422559 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is one of the most important essential metals for crustaceans, buttoxic in excess. Metallothioneins (MT) are a family of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins, which play important roles in metal homeostasis, detoxification, and cytoprotection. In the present study, Sinopotamon henanense were exposed to 0 (controls), 2.86, and 14.3 mg L(-1) waterborne Cu, Cu accumulation, zinc (Zn) levels and MT induction in gills and hepatopancreas were determined with Cd/Hemoglobin saturation assay and atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Results showed that Cu accumulation and MT levels were both tissue-specific and revealed some time-dependent and dose-dependent, respectively. The highest Cu accumulations of 82.10 ± 16.38 μg g(-1) w wt were observed in the gill after 15 days of 14.3 mg L(-1) Cu exposure, the peak MT induction of 136.16 ± 19.39 μg g(-1) w wt were observed in the hepatopancreas after 3 day of 14.3 mg L(-1) Cu exposure.In addition, the essential metal homeostasis of Zn was disturbed in some ways by subacute Cu exposure. The calculated ratios of actual Cu to theoretical maximum metal bound by MT indicating that the hepatopancreas had much greater Cu-binding potentials than the gills. Positive correlation were shown between MT induction and Cu accumulation both in hepatopancreas and gills, indicating that MT induction in S. henanense can be considered as a biomarker for subacute waterborne Cu pollution. Furthermore, the Cu induced MT (CuMT) from S. henanense was purified using acetone precipitation (50-80%), followed by gel filtration chromatography and anion exchange chromatography. SDS-PAGE and time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis showed that S. henanense CuMT possess two isoforms and both mainly existed as monomer and dimmer forms. These present studies will be helpful to increase the database information of heavy metal-induced MT in terms of crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Ma
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, People's Republic of China
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Xiang DF, Zhu JQ, Jin S, Hu YJ, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Expression and function analysis of metallothionein in the testis of Portunus trituberculatus exposed to cadmium. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 140-141:1-10. [PMID: 23747547 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) possess a unique molecular structure that provides metal-binding and redox capabilities. These capabilities include the maintenance of metal equilibria that protect against heavy metals (especially cadmium) and oxidative damage. Past studies have focused on the function of MTs in vertebrates. However, the functions of MTs during spermiogenesis in invertebrates remain unclear. In order to investigate the function of MTs during spermiogenesis in Portunus trituberculatus, we used RT-PCR and RACE to identify two MT complete cDNA sequences in the total RNA from the P. trituberculatus testis. The 450 bp MT-1 cDNA consists of a 77 bp 5' untranslated region, a 196 bp 3' untranslated region, and a 177 bp open reading frame that encodes 58 amino acids including 19 cysteines. The 581 bp MT-2 cDNA consists of 73 bp 5' untranslated region, a 328 bp 3' untranslated region, and a 180 bp open reading frame that encodes 59 amino acids including 18 cysteines. MT-1 and MT-2 of P. trituberculatus more closely resemble invertebrate (especially crab) MT homologues than vertebrate MT homologues as indicated by protein alignment comparisons and phylogenetic tree analysis. MT-1 and MT-2 were detected in the heart, testis, muscle, hepatopancreas, and gill of P. trituberculatus by tissue expression analysis. In addition, MT-1 and MT-2 are present during the entire process of spermiogenesis in P. trituberculatus as indicated by H&E staining and in situ hybridization. MT-1 and MT-2 expression levels significantly increase after cadmium (Cd) exposure as measured by real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Therefore, we suggest that MT-1 and MT-2 perform important functions in spermiogenesis and testis detoxification in P. trituberculatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Fang Xiang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
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Mao H, Tan FQ, Wang DH, Zhu JQ, Zhou H, Yang WX. Expression and function analysis of metallothionein in the testis of stone crab Charybdis japonica exposed to cadmium. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2012; 124-125:11-21. [PMID: 22885795 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) participates in metallic homeostasis and detoxification in living animals. Previous studies have focused mainly on the functions of MT in vertebrates, but the functions of MT during spermiogenesis in invertebrates remain unclear. In order to investigate the functions of MT during spermiogenesis in the Japanese stone crab (Charybdis japonica), we identified the C. japonica MT complete cDNA sequence from the total RNA of the testis using RT-PCR and RACE. The 587 bp MT cDNA contains: an 80 bp 5' untranslated region, a 333 bp 3' untranslated region, and a 174 bp open reading frame. MT has 57 amino acids including 19 cysteines. The protein alignment between MT sequences of C. japonica and other crabs shows a high similarity and a strong identity in cysteine residues vital for the metal-binding affinity of MT. After the cadmium (Cd) exposure, the testis displays both abnormal morphology and MT mRNA expression both of which indicate a sensitive response of testis MT to Cd. Therefore, we suggest that MT is an excellent biomarker candidate for evaluating Cd pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Mao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
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Identification of two metallothionein genes and their roles in stress responses of Musca domestica toward hyperthermy and cadmium tolerance. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 160:81-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2011.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 06/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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