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Kang B, Wang J, Guo S, Yang L. Mercury-induced toxicity: Mechanisms, molecular pathways, and gene regulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173577. [PMID: 38852866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173577] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known neurotoxicant for humans and wildlife. The epidemic of mercury poisoning in Japan has clearly demonstrated that chronic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) results in serious neurological damage to the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, leading to the dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in infants exposed to MeHg in utero. The occurrences of poisoning have caused a wide public concern regarding the health risk emanating from MeHg exposure; particularly those eating large amounts of fish may experience the low-level and long-term exposure. There is growing evidence that MeHg at environmentally relevant concentrations can affect the health of biota in the ecosystem. Although extensive in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the disruption of redox homeostasis and microtube assembly is mainly responsible for mercurial toxicity leading to adverse health outcomes, it is still unclear whether we could quantitively determine the occurrence of interaction between mercurial and thiols and/or selenols groups of proteins linked directly to outcomes, especially at very low levels of exposure. Furthermore, intracellular calcium homeostasis, cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter release, and DNA methylation may be the targets of mercury compounds; however, the primary targets associated with the adverse outcomes remain to be elucidated. Considering these knowledge gaps, in this article, we conducted a comprehensive review of mercurial toxicity, focusing mainly on the mechanism, and genes/proteins expression. We speculated that comprehensive analyses of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics could enhance interpretation of "omics" profiles, which may reveal specific biomarkers obviously correlated with specific pathways that mediate selective neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China.
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2
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Li MR, Men SH, Wang ZY, Liu C, Zhou GR, Yan ZG. The application of human-derived cell lines in neurotoxicity studies of environmental pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168839. [PMID: 38036138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168839] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
As industrial and societal advancements progress, an increasing number of environmental pollutants linked to human existence have been substantiated to elicit neurotoxicity and developmental neural toxicity. For research in this field, human-derived neural cell lines have become excellent in vitro models. This study examines the utilization of immortalized cell lines, specifically the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line, and neural cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells, in the investigation of neurotoxicity and developmental neural toxicity caused by environmental pollutants. The study also explores the culturing techniques employed for these cell lines and provides an overview of the standardized assays used to assess various biological endpoints. The environmental pollutants involved include a variety of organic compounds, heavy metals, and microplastics. The utilization of cell lines derived from human sources holds significant significance in elucidating the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants and the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we propose the possibility of improving the in vitro model of the human nervous system and the toxicity detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shu-Hui Men
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zi-Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Guo-Rui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhen-Guang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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3
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Iijima Y, Miki R, Fujimura M, Oyadomari S, Uehara T. Methylmercury-induced brain neuronal death in CHOP-knockout mice. J Toxicol Sci 2024; 49:55-60. [PMID: 38296529 DOI: 10.2131/jts.49.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis is one of the hallmarks of MeHg-induced neuronal cell death; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. We previously reported that MeHg exposure induces neuron-specific ER stress in the mouse brain. Excessive ER stress contributes to apoptosis, and CHOP induction is considered to be one of the major mechanisms. CHOP is also increased by MeHg exposure in the mouse brain, suggesting that it correlates with increased apoptosis. In this study, to clarify whether CHOP mediates MeHg-induced apoptosis, we examined the effect of CHOP deletion on MeHg exposure in CHOP-knockout mice. Our data showed that CHOP deletion had no effect on MeHg exposure-induced weight loss or hindlimb impairment in mice, nor did it increase apoptosis or inhibit neuronal cell loss. Hence, CHOP plays little role in MeHg toxicity, and other apoptotic pathways coupled with ER stress may be involved in MeHg-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Iijima
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Ryohei Miki
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease
| | - Seiichi Oyadomari
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
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4
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Abdelhamid MS, El Bohi KM, Sherif MH, Abdelhamid MS, Abdel-Daim MM, Elewa YHA, Metwally MMM, Albadrani GM, Najda A, El Abdel-Hamid S, Abu-Zeid EH. Apitoxin alleviates methyl mercury-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in male rats by regulating dorsal root ganglia neuronal degeneration and oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114521. [PMID: 36921536 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity is associated with extensive neuronal degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG). This study aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of bee venom (BV) on methyl mercury chloride (MeHgCl)-induced peripheral neurotoxicity using DRGs in rats. Forty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into four equal groups: G I: control (gavaged MilliQ water 1 ml/rat), G II: subcutaneously injected with BV (0.5 mg/kg b.wt), G III: gavaged MeHgCl (6.7 mg/kg b.wt), and G IV: received MeHgCl+BV. Dosing was done five times/week for 2 weeks. Ataxic behavior and visual impairments were significantly increased, whereas the movement behavior and motility gait were suppressed in the MeHgCl group. MeHgCl significantly decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in DRG and significantly decreased the serum levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels were significantly elevated, whereas interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels were significantly decreased in the MeHgCl group compared with the control group. DRGs of the MeHgCl-exposed rats showed pyknotic shrunken neurons with perineural vacuolations, demyelination of nerve axons, and proliferation of the satellite cells. MeHgCl significantly induced a higher positive index ratio of Iba-1, SOX10, neurofilament, pan-neuron, and vimentin immunostaining in the DRG. BV administration significantly mitigated the MeHgCl-induced alterations in oxidative stress-related indices. BV modified the immunostaining of Iba-1, SOX10, neurofilament, pan-neuron, and vimentin-positive index ratio in the DRG of the MeHgCl group. Our findings acknowledged that BV could enhance in vivo neuroprotective effects against MeHgCl-induced DRGs damage in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa S Abdelhamid
- Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Khlood M El Bohi
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Sherif
- Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Manar S Abdelhamid
- Biochemistry division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt; Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mohamed M M Metwally
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Ghadeer M Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, B.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Agnieszka Najda
- Department of Vegetable Crops and Medicinal Plants University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 50 A Doświadczalna Street, 20-280 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Shereen El Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Behavior and Management of Animal, Poultry and Aquatics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ehsan H Abu-Zeid
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt.
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Alterations in UPR Signaling by Methylmercury Trigger Neuronal Cell Death in the Mouse Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315412. [PMID: 36499738 PMCID: PMC9738736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental toxicant, induces neuronal cell death and injures specific areas of the brain. MeHg is known to induce oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway has a dual nature in that it regulates and protects cells from an overload of improperly folded proteins in the ER, whereas excessively stressed cells are eliminated by apoptosis. Oxidative stress/ER stress induced by methylmercury exposure may tilt the UPR toward apoptosis, but there is little in vivo evidence of a direct link to actual neuronal cell death. Here, by using the ER stress-activated indicator (ERAI) system, we investigated the time course signaling alterations of UPR in vivo in the most affected areas, the somatosensory cortex and striatum. In the ERAI-Venus transgenic mice exposed to MeHg (30 or 50 ppm in drinking water), the ERAI signal, which indicates the activation of the cytoprotective pathway of the UPR, was only transiently enhanced, whereas the apoptotic pathway of the UPR was persistently enhanced. Furthermore, detailed analysis following the time course showed that MeHg-induced apoptosis is strongly associated with alterations in UPR signaling. Our results suggest that UPR modulation could be a therapeutic target for treating neuropathy.
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Horai S, Abiko Y, Unoki T, Shinkai Y, Akiyama M, Nakata K, Kunisue T, Kumagai Y. Concentrations of nucleophilic sulfur species in small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) in Okinawa, Japan. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133833. [PMID: 35120952 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reactive sulfur species (RSS), such as hydrogen per (poly)sulfide, cysteine per (poly)sulfide, glutathione per (poly)sulfide, and protein-bound per (poly)sulfides, can easily react with environmental electrophiles such as methylmercury (MeHg), because of their high nucleophilicity. These RSS are produced by enzymes such as cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and are found in mammalian organs. Organs of wildlife have not been analyzed for hydrogen sulfide, cysteine, glutathione, and RSS. In this study, low molecular weight nucleophilic sulfur substances, including RSS, were quantified by stable isotope dilution assay-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl iodoacetamide to capture the target chemicals in the small Indian mongoose which species possesses high mercury content as same as some marine mammals. Western blotting revealed that the mongoose organs (liver, kidney, cerebrum, and cerebellum) contained proteins that cross-reacted with anti-CBS and CSE antibodies. The expression patterns of these enzymes were similar to those in mice, indicating that mongoose organs contain CBS and CSE. Moreover, bis-methylmercury sulfide (MeHg)2S, which is a low toxic compound in comparison to MeHg, was found in the liver of this species. These results suggest that the small Indian mongoose produces RSS and monothiols associated with detoxification of electrophilic organomercury. The animals which have high mercury content in their bodies may have function of mercury detoxification involved not only Se but also RSS interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawako Horai
- Environmental Health Section, Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Yumi Abiko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Takamitsu Unoki
- Hygienic Chemistry Section, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Shinkai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Akiyama
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
| | - Katsushi Nakata
- Nansei Environmental Laboratory Co., Ltd., 4-4 Agarizaki, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0105, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Kunisue
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Yoshito Kumagai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
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The Modulatory Role of sti-1 in Methylmercury-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:837-846. [PMID: 35471723 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) poses a significant health risk to the development of the nervous system. The mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity are associated with the disruption of cellular homeostasis, and include oxidative stress, loss of calcium homeostasis, and impaired protein quality control. The stress inducible protein 1 (STI-1) is involved in the regulation of protein quality control by acting as a protein cochaperone to maintain optimal protein unfolding and refolding. Here, we utilized the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of MeHg toxicity to characterize the role of the sti-1 gene in MeHg-induced toxicity. We showed that lifespan and developmental milestone timings were significantly altered in sti-1 knockout (KO) animals with MeHg exposure. However, knocking down sti-1 by RNAi did not result in an analogous effect for lifespan, but did still sensitize to delays in developmental milestone progression by acute MeHg, suggesting that insufficiency of sti-1 does not recapitulate all phenotypes of the null mutation. Furthermore, inhibition of ATP levels by MeHg exposure was modulated by sti-1. Considering that the skn-1/gst-4 pathway is highly involved in metal's toxicity, such pathway was also explored in our model. We showed that sti-1 mutant worms exhibited impaired capacity to upregulate the antioxidant genes skn-1/gst-4, highlighting a central role of sti-1 in modulating antioxidant response. Lastly, we showed that loss-of-function mutation in the rrf-3 gene, which encodes a putative RNA-directed RNA polymerase, has significant effect in altering MeHg-induced toxicity by potentiating the animal's detoxification system. Altogether, our novel data show an indispensable role of protein quality control in the defense against MeHg toxicity.
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8
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Yang M, Flaumenhaft R. Oxidative Cysteine Modification of Thiol Isomerases in Thrombotic Disease: A Hypothesis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:1134-1155. [PMID: 34121445 PMCID: PMC8817710 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Oxidative stress is a characteristic of many systemic diseases associated with thrombosis. Thiol isomerases are a family of oxidoreductases important in protein folding and are exquisitely sensitive to the redox environment. They are essential for thrombus formation and represent a previously unrecognized layer of control of the thrombotic process. Yet, the mechanisms by which thiol isomerases function in thrombus formation are unknown. Recent Advances: The oxidoreductase activity of thiol isomerases in thrombus formation is controlled by the redox environment via oxidative changes to active site cysteines. Specific alterations can now be detected owing to advances in the chemical biology of oxidative cysteine modifications. Critical Issues: Understanding of the role of thiol isomerases in thrombus formation has focused largely on identifying single disulfide bond modifications in isolated proteins (e.g., αIIbβ3, tissue factor, vitronectin, or glycoprotein Ibα [GPIbα]). An alternative approach is to conceptualize thiol isomerases as effectors in redox signaling pathways that control thrombotic potential by modifying substrate networks. Future Directions: Cysteine-based chemical biology will be employed to study thiol-dependent dynamics mediated by the redox state of thiol isomerases at the systems level. This approach could identify thiol isomerase-dependent modifications of the disulfide landscape that are prothrombotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moua Yang
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Flaumenhaft
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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p62/sequestosome 1 attenuates methylmercury-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Toxicol Lett 2021; 353:93-99. [PMID: 34678407 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a hazardous environmental pollutant that causes serious toxicity in humans and animals, as well as proteotoxic stress. In our previous study, we found that MeHg induces the expression of p62/sequestosome 1 (p62) that selectively targets ubiquitinated proteins for degradation via autophagy, and that p62 might protect cells against MeHg toxicity. To further investigate the role of p62 in MeHg-induced stress responses, we evaluated the role of p62 in MeHg-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in p62 knockout (p62KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Treatment of wild-type (WT) MEFs were treated with MeHg (1 μM) increased mRNA levels of Chop encoding C/EBP homologous protein, Trib3 encoding Tribbles homolog 3, and Dnajb9 encoding DnaJ heat-shock protein family (Hsp40) member B9 increased, suggesting that ER stress is elicited by MeHg stress. Additionally, p62KO MEFs treated with MeHg showed a higher mRNA expression of Chop and Trib3 relative to that in WT MEFs. Furthermore, knock-in of GFP-p62 to p62KO cells diminished the Chop and Trib3 induction responses to MeHg stress and resulted in a higher cell viability than that of p62KO MEFs. These results suggest that the protective role of p62 against MeHg toxicity is partly mediated by suppressing the ER stress response.
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Increased expression of TCF3, transcription factor 3, is a defense response against methylmercury toxicity in mouse neuronal C17.2 cells. Toxicol Res 2021; 37:451-458. [PMID: 34631502 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury is an environmental pollutant that induces potent neurotoxicity. We previously identified transcription factor 3 (TCF3) as a transcription factor that is activated in the brains of mice treated with methylmercury, and reported that methylmercury sensitivity was increased in cells in which TCF3 expression was suppressed. However, the mechanisms involved in the activation of TCF3 by methylmercury and in the reduction of methylmercury toxicity by TCF3 remained unclear. We found that treatment of mouse neuronal C17.2 cells with methylmercury increased TCF3 protein levels and promoted the binding of TCF3 to DNA consensus sequences. In cells treated with actinomycin D, a transcription inhibitor, an increase in TCF3 protein levels was also observed under methylmercury exposure. However, in the presence of cycloheximide, a translation inhibitor, methylmercury delayed the degradation of TCF3 protein. In addition, treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, increased TCF3 protein levels, and there was not significant increase in TCF3 protein levels by methylmercury under these conditions. These results suggest that methylmercury may activate TCF3 by increasing its levels through inhibition of TCF3 degradation by the proteasome. It has been previously reported that the induction of apoptosis in neurons is involved in methylmercury-induced neuronal damage in the brain. Although apoptosis was induced in C17.2 cells treated with methylmercury, this induction was largely suppressed by overexpression of TCF3. These results indicate that TCF3, which is increased in the brain upon exposure to methylmercury, may be a novel defense factor against methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity.
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Ma YS, Feng S, Lin L, Zhang H, Wei GH, Liu YS, Yang XL, Xin R, Shi Y, Zhang DD, Jia CY, Lu GX, Xue SB, Yu F, Lv ZW, Liu JB, Wang GR, Fu D. Protein disulfide isomerase inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and apoptosis via its oxidoreductase activity in colorectal cancer. Cell Signal 2021; 86:110076. [PMID: 34245861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a principal endoplasmic reticulum resident oxidoreductase chaperone, is known to play a role in malignancies. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism by which PDI regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress and the apoptosis signaling pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the expression of PDI in CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Gain- and loss- of function assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of PDI on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis in CRC cells, as reflected by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and the expression of related proteins. PDI protein expression was upregulated in CRC tissues. Small molecule inhibitor of PDI or PDI knockdown reduced CRC cell viability and induced apoptosis. Overexpression of wild-type PDI augmented the viability of CRC cells and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress response and apoptosis. Small molecule inhibitor of PDI or PDI knockdown increased intracellular H2O2 level and activated apoptosis signaling pathway, which could be reversed by wild-type PDI restoration. Moreover, the catalytic active site of C-terminal of PDI was found to be indispensable for the regulatory effects of PDI on H2O2 levels, apoptosis and cell viability in CRC cells. Collectively, PDI inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis of CRC cells through its oxidoreductase activity, thereby promoting the malignancy of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shui Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China; Cancer Institute, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China; International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Sun Feng
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China
| | - Lan Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China
| | - Guo-Hua Wei
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Internal Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China
| | - Yu-Shan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China
| | - Xiao-Li Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Rui Xin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Cheng-You Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Gai-Xia Lu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Shao-Bo Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China.
| | - Gao-Ren Wang
- Cancer Institute, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, China.
| | - Da Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
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12
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Hiraoka H, Nomura R, Takasugi N, Akai R, Iwawaki T, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M, Uehara T. Spatiotemporal analysis of the UPR transition induced by methylmercury in the mouse brain. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1241-1250. [PMID: 33454823 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-02982-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental toxicant, induces neuronal cell death and injures a specific area of the brain. MeHg-mediated neurotoxicity is believed to be caused by oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress but the mechanism by which those stresses lead to neuronal loss is unclear. Here, by utilizing the ER stress-activated indicator (ERAI) system, we investigated the signaling alterations in the unfolded protein response (UPR) prior to neuronal apoptosis in the mouse brain. In ERAI transgenic mice exposed to MeHg (25 mg/kg, S.C.), the ERAI signal, which indicates activation of the cytoprotective pathway of the UPR, was detected in the brain. Interestingly, detailed ex vivo analysis showed that the ERAI signal was localized predominantly in neurons. Time course analysis of MeHg exposure (30 ppm in drinking water) showed that whereas the ERAI signal was gradually attenuated at the late phase after increasing at the early phase, activation of the apoptotic pathway of the UPR was enhanced in proportion to the exposure time. These results suggest that MeHg induces not only ER stress but also neuronal cell death via a UPR shift. UPR modulation could be a therapeutic target for treating neuropathy caused by electrophiles similar to MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Hiraoka
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Nomura
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ryoko Akai
- Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Takao Iwawaki
- Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshito Kumagai
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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13
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Wang L, Yu J, Wang CC. Protein disulfide isomerase is regulated in multiple ways: Consequences for conformation, activities, and pathophysiological functions. Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000147. [PMID: 33155310 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is one of the most abundant and critical protein folding catalysts in the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells. PDI consists of four thioredoxin domains and interacts with a wide range of substrate and partner proteins due to its intrinsic conformational flexibility. PDI plays multifunctional roles in a variety of pathophysiological events, both as an oxidoreductase and a molecular chaperone. Recent studies have revealed that the conformation and activity of PDI can be regulated in multiple ways, including posttranslational modification and substrate/ligand binding. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding the function and regulation of PDI in different pathological and physiological events. We propose that the multifunctional roles of PDI are regulated by multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss future directions for the study of PDI, emphasizing how different regulatory modes are linked to the conformational changes and biological functions of PDI in the context of diverse pathophysiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Yu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chih-Chen Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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14
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Fujimura M, Usuki F. Methylmercury-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Activation of the Cellular Protective System. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101004. [PMID: 33081221 PMCID: PMC7602710 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxicant that causes severe intoxication in humans. In Japan, it is referred to as Minamata disease, which involves two characteristic clinical forms: fetal type and adult type depending on the exposed age. In addition to MeHg burden level, individual susceptibility to MeHg plays a role in the manifestation of MeHg toxicity. Research progress has pointed out the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MeHg toxicity. MeHg has a high affinity for selenohydryl groups, sulfhydryl groups, and selenides. It has been clarified that such affinity characteristics cause the impairment of antioxidant enzymes and proteins, resulting in the disruption of antioxidant systems. Furthermore, MeHg-induced intracellular selenium deficiency due to the greater affinity of MeHg for selenohydryl groups and selenides leads to failure in the recoding of a UGA codon for selenocysteine and results in the degradation of antioxidant selenoenzyme mRNA by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The defect of antioxidant selenoenzyme replenishment exacerbates MeHg-mediated oxidative stress. On the other hand, it has also been revealed that MeHg can directly activate the antioxidant Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. This review summarizes the incidence of MeHg-mediated oxidative stress from the viewpoint of the individual intracellular redox system interactions and the MeHg-mediated aforementioned intracellular events. In addition, the mechanisms of cellular stress pathways and neuronal cell death triggered by MeHg-mediated oxidative stress and direct interactions of MeHg with reactive residues of proteins are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan;
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-275-6246; Fax: +81-99-275-5942
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15
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Ajsuvakova OP, Tinkov AA, Aschner M, Rocha JB, Michalke B, Skalnaya MG, Skalny AV, Butnariu M, Dadar M, Sarac I, Aaseth J, Bjørklund G. Sulfhydryl groups as targets of mercury toxicity. Coord Chem Rev 2020; 417:213343. [PMID: 32905350 PMCID: PMC7470069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study addresses existing data on the affinity and conjugation of sulfhydryl (thiol; -SH) groups of low- and high-molecular-weight biological ligands with mercury (Hg). The consequences of these interactions with special emphasis on pathways of Hg toxicity are highlighted. Cysteine (Cys) is considered the primary target of Hg, and link its sensitivity with thiol groups and cellular damage. In vivo, Hg complexes play a key role in Hg metabolism. Due to the increased affinity of Hg to SH groups in Cys residues, glutathione (GSH) is reactive. The geometry of Hg(II) glutathionates is less understood than that with Cys. Both Cys and GSH Hg-conjugates are important in Hg transport. The binding of Hg to Cys mediates multiple toxic effects of Hg, especially inhibitory effects on enzymes and other proteins that contain free Cys residues. In blood plasma, albumin is the main Hg-binding (Hg2+, CH3Hg+, C2H5Hg+, C6H5Hg+) protein. At the Cys34 residue, Hg2+ binds to albumin, whereas other metals likely are bound at the N-terminal site and multi-metal binding sites. In addition to albumin, Hg binds to multiple Cys-containing enzymes (including manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), arginase I, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase, etc.) involved in multiple processes. The affinity of Hg for thiol groups may also underlie the pathways of Hg toxicity. In particular, Hg-SH may contribute to apoptosis modulation by interfering with Akt/CREB, Keap1/Nrf2, NF-κB, and mitochondrial pathways. Mercury-induced oxidative stress may ensue from Cys-Hg binding and inhibition of Mn-SOD (Cys196), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) (Cys497) activity, as well as limiting GSH (GS-HgCH3) and Trx (Cys32, 35, 62, 65, 73) availability. Moreover, Hg-thiol interaction also is crucial in the neurotoxicity of Hg by modulating the cytoskeleton and neuronal receptors, to name a few. However, existing data on the role of Hg-SH binding in the Hg toxicity remains poorly defined. Therefore, more research is needed to understand better the role of Hg-thiol binding in the molecular pathways of Hg toxicology and the critical role of thiols to counteract negative effects of Hg overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P. Ajsuvakova
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael Aschner
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - João B.T. Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Monica Butnariu
- Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
- CONEM Romania Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Group, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Ioan Sarac
- Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
- CONEM Romania Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Group, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Jan Aaseth
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
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16
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Protein disulfide isomerase in cardiovascular disease. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:390-399. [PMID: 32203104 PMCID: PMC7156431 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0401-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) participates in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Increasing evidence indicates that intravascular cell-derived PDI plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases, including thrombosis and vascular inflammation. Recent studies with PDI conditional knockout mice have advanced our understanding of the function of cell-specific PDI in disease processes. Furthermore, the identification and development of novel small-molecule PDI inhibitors has led into a new era of PDI research that transitioned from the bench to bedside. In this review, we will discuss recent findings on the regulatory role of PDI in cardiovascular disease. Efforts to untangle the functions of a large family of enzymes could lead researchers to new therapies for diverse cardiovascular diseases. Members of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family chemically modify other proteins in ways that can alter both their structure and biological activity. Jaehyung Cho of the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA and coworkers have reviewed numerous studies linking PDI with cardiovascular diseases, including thrombosis, heart attack, vascular inflammation, and stroke. The authors also report progress in developing small-molecule PDI inhibitors that could yield the treatment for these conditions.
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Yang B, Yin C, Zhou Y, Wang Q, Jiang Y, Bai Y, Qian H, Xing G, Wang S, Li F, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Cai J, Aschner M, Lu R. Curcumin protects against methylmercury-induced cytotoxicity in primary rat astrocytes by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway independently of PKCδ. Toxicology 2019; 425:152248. [PMID: 31330227 PMCID: PMC6710134 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.152248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that leads to long-lasting neurological deficits in animals and humans. Curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from the rhizome of turmeric, has well-known antioxidant functions. Here, we evaluated curcumin's efficacy in mitigating MeHg-induced cytotoxicity and further investigated the underlying mechanism of this neuroprotection in primary rat astrocytes. Pretreatment with curcumin (2, 5, 10 and 20 μM for 3, 6, 12 or 24 h) protected against MeHg-induced (5 μM for 6 h) cell death in a time and dose-dependent manner. Curcumin (2, 5, 10 or 20 μM) pretreatment for 12 h significantly ameliorated the MeHg-induced astrocyte injury and oxidative stress, as evidenced by morphological alterations, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. Moreover, curcumin pretreatment increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and downstream enzyme expression, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinone reductase-1 (NQO1). Knockdown of Nrf2 with siRNA attenuated the protective effect of curcumin against MeHg-induced cell death. However, both the pan-protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, Ro 31-8220, and the selective PKCδ inhibitor, rottlerin, failed to suppress the curcumin-activated Nrf2/Antioxidant Response Element(ARE) pathway and attenuate the protection exerted by curcumin. Taken together, these findings confirm that curcumin protects against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway and this protection is independent of PKCδ activation. More studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of curcumin cytoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobo Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Changsheng Yin
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yuanyue Jiang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Hai Qian
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Guangwei Xing
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Suhua Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiyang Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550-1106, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rongzhu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Center for Experimental Research, Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215132, China.
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18
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Takasugi N, Hiraoka H, Nakahara K, Akiyama S, Fujikawa K, Nomura R, Furuichi M, Uehara T. The Emerging Role of Electrophiles as a Key Regulator for Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1783. [PMID: 30974903 PMCID: PMC6480251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which is called ER stress. ER stress sensors PERK, IRE1, and ATF6 play a central role in the initiation and regulation of the UPR; they inhibit novel protein synthesis and upregulate ER chaperones, such as protein disulfide isomerase, to remove unfolded proteins. However, when recovery from ER stress is difficult, the UPR pathway is activated to eliminate unhealthy cells. This signaling transition is the key event of many human diseases. However, the precise mechanisms are largely unknown. Intriguingly, reactive electrophilic species (RES), which exist in the environment or are produced through cellular metabolism, have been identified as a key player of this transition. In this review, we focused on the function of representative RES: nitric oxide (NO) as a gaseous RES, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) as a lipid RES, and methylmercury (MeHg) as an environmental organic compound RES, to outline the relationship between ER stress and RES. Modulation by RES might be a target for the development of next-generation therapy for ER stress-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Hideki Hiraoka
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Kengo Nakahara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Shiori Akiyama
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Kana Fujikawa
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Nomura
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Moeka Furuichi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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19
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Ke T, Gonçalves FM, Gonçalves CL, Dos Santos AA, Rocha JBT, Farina M, Skalny A, Tsatsakis A, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Post-translational modifications in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:2068-2081. [PMID: 30385410 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure remains a major public health concern due to its widespread distribution in the environment. Organic mercurials, such as MeHg, have been extensively investigated especially because of their congenital effects. In this context, studies on the molecular mechanism of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity are pivotal to the understanding of its toxic effects and the development of preventive measures. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation are essential for the proper function of proteins and play important roles in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. The rapid and transient nature of many PTMs allows efficient signal transduction in response to stress. This review summarizes the current knowledge of PTMs in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, including the most commonly PTMs, as well as PTMs induced by oxidative stress and PTMs of antioxidant proteins. Though PTMs represent an important molecular mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis and are involved in the neurotoxic effects of MeHg, we are far from understanding the complete picture on their role, and further research is warranted to increase our knowledge of PTMs in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States.
| | - Filipe Marques Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | | | - João B T Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Anatoly Skalny
- Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya St., 14, Yaroslavl 150000, Russia; Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya St., 6, Moscow 105064, Russia; Orenburg State University, Pobedy Ave., 13, Orenburg 460352, Russia
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Center of Toxicology Science & Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States.
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20
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Hiraoka H, Nakahara K, Kaneko Y, Akiyama S, Okuda K, Iwawaki T, Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Takasugi N, Uehara T. Modulation of Unfolded Protein Response by Methylmercury. Biol Pharm Bull 2018; 40:1595-1598. [PMID: 28867746 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b17-00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) results in cell death through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Previously, we reported that MeHg induces S-mercuration at cysteine 383 or 386 in protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and this modification induces the loss of enzymatic activity. Because PDI is a key enzyme for the maturation of nascent protein harboring a disulfide bond, the disruption in PDI function by MeHg results in ER stress via the accumulation of misfolded proteins. However, the effects of MeHg on unfolded protein response (UPR) sensors and their signaling remain unclear. In the present study, we show that UPR is regulated by MeHg. We found that MeHg specifically attenuated inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)-x-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) branch, but not the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and activating transcriptional factor 6 (ATF6) branches. Treatment with GSK2606414, a specific PERK inhibitor, significantly inhibited MeHg-induced cell death. These findings suggest that MeHg exquisitely regulates UPR signaling involved in cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Hiraoka
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Kengo Nakahara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Yuki Kaneko
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Shiori Akiyama
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Kosaku Okuda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Takao Iwawaki
- Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease
| | | | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University
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21
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Characterization of mercury-binding proteins in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells with immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Talanta 2017; 178:811-817. [PMID: 29136899 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Metal-binding proteins play important roles in biological functions of metals. However, only very limited mercury-binding proteins with high abundance were characterized in cells or organisms. Characterization of mercury-binding proteins in proteome-wide is important for elucidating mechanisms of mercury toxicity comprehensively. In this study, a method based on immobilized mercury ion affinity chromatography was developed for identification of putative mercury-binding proteins. The method was then successfully applied to profile mercury-binding proteins in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. In total, 38 proteins were identified as mercury-binding proteins, in which most of them were uncharacterized to associate with mercury in cells. The identified mercury-binding proteins did not show obvious relevance to protein abundance and were mainly involved in protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, protein folding, and cytoskeleton organization. The newly built metalloproteomic approach provided valuable information on the possible molecular mechanisms and protein candidates for mercury transport and toxicity.
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22
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Akr1 attenuates methylmercury toxicity through the palmitoylation of Meh1 as a subunit of the yeast EGO complex. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:1729-1736. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Risher JF, Tucker P. Alkyl Mercury-Induced Toxicity: Multiple Mechanisms of Action. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 240:105-149. [PMID: 27161558 PMCID: PMC10508330 DOI: 10.1007/398_2016_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There are a number of mechanisms by which alkylmercury compounds cause toxic action in the body. Collectively, published studies reveal that there are some similarities between the mechanisms of the toxic action of the mono-alkyl mercury compounds methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg). This paper represents a summary of some of the studies regarding these mechanisms of action in order to facilitate the understanding of the many varied effects of alkylmercurials in the human body. The similarities in mechanisms of toxicity for MeHg and EtHg are presented and compared. The difference in manifested toxicity of MeHg and EtHg are likely the result of the differences in exposure, metabolism, and elimination from the body, rather than differences in mechanisms of action between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Risher
- Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road (MS F-58), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Pamela Tucker
- Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road (MS F-58), Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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Graves SD, Kidd KA, Batchelar KL, Cowie AM, O'Driscoll NJ, Martyniuk CJ. Response of oxidative stress transcripts in the brain of wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens) exposed to an environmental gradient of methylmercury. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 192:50-58. [PMID: 27939725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and adverse health effects in fishes have been documented, but the molecular mechanisms involved in toxicity have not been fully characterized. The objectives of the current study were to (1) determine whether total Hg (THg) in the muscle was predictive of MeHg concentrations in the brain of wild female yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from four lakes in Kejimkujik National Park, a known biological mercury (Hg) hotspot in Nova Scotia, Canada and (2) to determine whether transcripts involved in the oxidative stress response were altered in abundance in fish collected across five lakes representing a MeHg gradient. In female yellow perch, MeHg in whole brain (0.38 to 2.00μg/g wet weight) was positively associated with THg in muscle (0.18 to 2.13μg/g wet weight) (R2=0.61, p<0.01), suggesting that muscle THg may be useful for predicting MeHg concentrations in the brain. Catalase (cat) mRNA levels were significantly lower in brains of perch collected from lakes with high Hg when compared to those individuals from lakes with relatively lower Hg (p=0.02). Other transcripts (cytochrome c oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, heat shock protein 70, protein disulfide isomerase, and superoxide dismutase) did not show differential expression in the brain over the gradient. These findings suggest that MeHg may be inversely associated with catalase mRNA abundance in the central nervous system of wild fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Graves
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada.
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Katharina L Batchelar
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Andrew M Cowie
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada; Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, UF Genetics Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Whi2 enhances methylmercury toxicity in yeast via inhibition of Akr1 palmitoyltransferase activity. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1326-33. [PMID: 27015763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported that Whi2 enhances the toxicity of methylmercury in yeast. In the present study we examined the proteins known to interact with Whi2 to find those that influence the toxicity of methylmercury. METHODS Gene disruption and site-directed mutagenesis were employed to examine the relationship of mercury toxicity and palmitoylation. Protein palmitoylation was examined using the acyl-biotinyl exchange method. Protein-protein interactions were detected by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. RESULTS We found that deletion of Akr1, a palmitoyltransferase, rendered yeast cells highly sensitive to methylmercury, and Akr1 is necessary for the methylmercury resistance of Whi2-deleted yeast. Palmitoyltransferase activity of Akr1 has an important role in the alleviation of methylmercury toxicity. Whi2 deletion or methylmercury treatment enhanced the palmitoyltransferase activity of Akr1, and methylmercury treatment reduced the binding between Akr1 and Whi2. CONCLUSIONS Whi2 bonds to Akr1 (a protein that is able to alleviate methylmercury toxicity) and thus inhibits Akr1's palmitoyltransferase activity, which leads to enhanced methylmercury toxicity. In contrast, methylmercury might break the bond between Whi2 and Akr1, which enhances the palmitoyltransferase activity of Akr1 to alleviate methylmercury toxicity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This study's findings propose that the Whi2/Akr1 system can be regarded as a defense mechanism that detects methylmercury incorporation of yeast cells and alleviates its toxicity.
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Abiko Y, Yoshida E, Ishii I, Fukuto JM, Akaike T, Kumagai Y. Involvement of reactive persulfides in biological bismethylmercury sulfide formation. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 28:1301-6. [PMID: 25874357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bismethylmercury sulfide (MeHg)2S has been found to be a detoxified metabolite of methylmercury (MeHg) that is produced by SH-SY5Y cells and in livers of rats exposed to MeHg. (MeHg)2S could be formed through the interactions between MeHg and sulfur species such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S or HS(-)), but the origin of its sulfur has not been fully identified. We herein examined the formation of (MeHg)2S through interactions between MeHg and persulfides, polysulfides, and protein preparations. Investigations using HPLC/atomic absorption spectrophotometry and EI-MS revealed that NaHS and Na2S4 react readily with MeHg to give (MeHg)2S, and similar results were found using GSH persulfide (GSSH) formed endogenously or generated enzymatically in vitro. (MeHg)2S was also formed by incubation of MeHg with liver and heart cytosolic fractions prepared from wild-type mice but not with those from mice lacking cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) that catalyzes the formation of cysteine persulfide. Consistent with this, (MeHg)2S was detected in a variety of tissues taken from wild-type mice intraperitoneally injected with MeHg in vivo but not in those from MeHg-injected CSE knockout mice. By separating liver fractions by column chromatography, we found numerous proteins that contain persulfides: one of the proteins was identified as being glutathione S-transferase pi 1. These results indicate that the formation of (MeHg)2S can be attributed to interactions between MeHg and endogenous free persulfide species, as well as protein-bound cysteine persulfide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isao Ishii
- §Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
| | - Jon M Fukuto
- ∥Department of Chemistry, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California 94928, United States
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- ⊥Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Molecular Toxicology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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