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Wen H, Wang Y, Ji Y, Chen J, Xiao Y, Lu Q, Jiang C, Sheng Q, Nie Z, You Z. Effect of acute exposure of Hg on physiological parameters and transcriptome expression in silkworms ( Bombyx mori). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1405541. [PMID: 38919158 PMCID: PMC11196819 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1405541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination poses a global threat to the environment, given its elevated ecotoxicity. Herein, we employed the lepidopteran model insect, silkworm (Bombyx mori), to systematically investigate the toxic effects of Hg-stress across its growth and development, histomorphology, antioxidant enzyme activities, and transcriptome responses. High doses of Hg exposure induced evident poisoning symptoms, markedly impeding the growth of silkworm larvae and escalating mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Under Hg exposure, the histomorphology of both the midgut and fat body exhibited impairments. Carboxylesterase (CarE) activity was increased in both midgut and fat body tissues responding to Hg treatment. Conversely, glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels increased in the fat body but decreased in the midgut. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that the response induced by Hg stress involved multiple metabolism processes. Significantly differently expressed genes (DEGs) exhibited strong associations with oxidative phosphorylation, nutrient metabolisms, insect hormone biosynthesis, lysosome, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, and ribosome pathways in the midgut or the fat body. The findings implied that exposure to Hg might induce the oxidative stress response, attempting to compensate for impaired metabolism. Concurrently, disruptions in nutrient metabolism and insect hormone activity might hinder growth and development, leading to immune dysfunction in silkworms. These insights significantly advance our theoretical understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying Hg toxicity in invertebrate organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wen
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongqiang Ji
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qixiang Lu
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caiying Jiang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Sheng
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuoming Nie
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengying You
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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Liu S, Zhan Z, Zhang X, Chen X, Xu J, Wang Q, Zhang M, Liu Y. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) mixtures induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disruption in silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169782. [PMID: 38176555 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Mixed legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are commonly found in soil and dust; however, the potential toxicity of PFAS mixtures (mPFASs) in insects is unknown. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), we evaluated the adverse effects of mPFASs on silkworms, a typical lepidopteran insect. After exposure to mPFASs, the silkworm midgut was enriched with high levels of PFASs, which induced histopathological changes. The composition of the midgut microbiota was significantly affected by mPFAS exposure, and functional predictions revealed significant disruption of some metabolic pathways. RNA-seq analysis revealed that mPFASs significantly changed the transcription profiles. Functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes also revealed that biological processes related to metabolic pathways and the digestive system were significantly affected, similar to the results of the gut microbiota analysis, suggesting that mPFAS exposure had an adverse effect on the metabolic function of silkworms and may further affect their normal growth. Finally, the significant correlation between abundance changes in the gut microbiota and metabolism/digestion-related genes further highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in mPFAS-related processes affecting the metabolic functions of silkworms. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the toxic effects of mPFASs in insects and provide basic data for further PFAS toxicity investigations in insects and comprehensive ecological risk assessments of mPFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Zhigao Zhan
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Xinghui Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China; College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Jiaojiao Xu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Qiyu Wang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China.
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Li X, Xu B, Sahito ZA, Chen S, Liang Z. Transcriptome analysis reveals cadmium exposure enhanced the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and disease resistance in Coptis chinensis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115940. [PMID: 38218103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Coptis chinensis Franch is a perennial herb from the Ranunculaceae family with a long history of medicinal use. As the medicinal part, the rhizome of coptis often accumulates excessive cadmium (Cd) even at low concentrations in the soil, which not only compromises its medicinal safety but also raises concerns about adverse effects on human health. Therefore, effective strategies are needed to mitigate this accumulation and ensure its safe use in traditional medicine. This study utilized transcriptome profiling and physiological analysis to explore molecular mechanisms associated with ecological significance and the active accumulation of Cd in C. chinensis. The response to Cd in C. chinensis was assessed through RNA sequencing, Cd determination and isoquinoline alkaloid measurement using its roots, stems, and leaves. The transcriptome revealed, a total of 2667, 2998, or 2815 up-regulated deferentially expressed genes in roots, stems or leaves in response to Cd exposure. Furthermore, we identified phenylpropanoid and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis as the key pathways response to Cd exposure, which suggests that C. chinensis may improve its tolerance to Cd through regulating the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Under Cd exposure, plant-pathogen interaction in leaves was identified as the key pathway, which indicates that upregulation of genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction could enhance disease resistance in C. chinensis. WGCNA analysis identified WRKY8 (Cluster-55763.31419) and WRKY47 (Cluster-55763.221590) as potential regulators of secondary metabolic synthesis and plant-pathogen interaction pathway in C. chinensis triggered by Cd. The measurement of berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and epiberberine also demonstrated that Cd simulated the four isoquinoline alkaloids in roots. Therefore, our study not only presented a transcriptome expression profiles that revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in metal transport and detoxification pathways but also suggested a possible mechanism to cope with Cd accumulation. This knowledge provides a new insight into gene manipulation for controlling Cd accumulation, enhancing resistance and promoting synthesis of secondary metabolites with potential medicinal properties in other medicinal plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Tianjin Tasly Modern TCM Resources Co., Ltd., Tianjin 300410, China
| | - Zulfiqar Ali Sahito
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shaoning Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Zongsuo Liang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine, Shaoxing 312000, China.
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Rong W, Chen Y, Lu J, Huang S, Xin L, Guan D, Li X. Effects of Chromium Exposure on the Gene Expression of the Midgut in Silkworms, Bombyx mori. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1616. [PMID: 37628667 PMCID: PMC10454352 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromium is a severe heavy metal pollutant with significant environmental risks. The effects of Chromium on the digestion of Bombyx mori (silkworms) are of particular importance due to their ecological and economic significance. Herein, RNA sequencing was conducted on nine midgut samples from silkworms exposed to control, 12 g/kg and 24 g/kg Chromium chemical diets. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that under moderate Chromium exposure, there was a significant increase in up-regulated genes (1268 up-regulated to 857 down-regulated), indicating a stimulation response. At higher stress levels, a weakened survival response was observed, with a decrease in up-regulated genes and an increase in down-regulated genes (374 up-regulated to 399 down-regulated). A notable shift in cellular responses under medium chromium exposure was exposed, signifying the activation of crucial metabolic and transport systems and an elevation in cellular stress and toxicity mechanisms. The observation of up-regulated gene expression within xenobiotic metabolism pathways suggests a heightened defense against Chromium-induced oxidative stress, which was primarily through the involvement of antioxidant enzymes. Conversely, high-dose Chromium exposure down-regulates the folate biosynthesis pathway, indicating biological toxicity. Two novel genes responsive to pressure were identified, which could facilitate future stress adaptation understanding. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying silkworms' digestion response to Chromium exposure and could inform its biological toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantao Rong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (W.R.)
| | - Yazhen Chen
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Jieyou Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (W.R.)
| | - Shuiwang Huang
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Lei Xin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (W.R.)
| | - Delong Guan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (W.R.)
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (Y.C.)
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sericulture Ecology and Applied Intelligent Technology, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (W.R.)
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Sericulture and Silk, Hechi University, Hechi 546300, China; (Y.C.)
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Zheng L, Tan M, Yan S, Jiang D. Cadmium exposure-triggered growth retardation in Hyphantria cunea larvae involves disturbances in food utilization and energy metabolism. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114886. [PMID: 37037109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Serious environmental pollution in the ecosystem makes phytophagous insects face a great risk of exposure to pollutants, especially heavy metals. This study aims to understand the effects of Cd exposure on the growth and development of Hyphantria cunea and to elucidate the mechanism of growth toxicity induced by Cd from the perspective of food utilization and energy metabolism. Our results showed that the larval basal growth data, growth index, fitness index, and standard growth index were significantly decreased after feeding on Cd-containing artificial diets. The Cd-treated larvae had significantly higher digestibility than the untreated larvae. However, the food consumption, efficiency of conversion of digested food, and efficiency of conversion of ingested food were significantly lower than those of untreated larvae. Eight key metabolites in the glycolysis pathway and six key metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway were significantly reduced in Cd-treated larvae. The mRNA expression levels of two regulatory genes (6-phosphofructokinase 1 and hexokinase-1) belonging to two key enzymes in the glycolysis pathway and four regulatory genes (isocitrate dehydrogenase-1, isocitrate dehydrogenase-3, citrate synthase, and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase) belonging to three key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway were significantly lower in the Cd-treated group than in the control group. Furthermore, most fitness-related traits were significantly and positively correlated with food utilization (except approximate digestibility) or energy metabolism parameters. Taken together, Cd exposure-triggered growth retardation of H. cunea larvae is a consequence of disturbances in food utilization and energy metabolism, thereby emphasizing the toxicity of heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zheng
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Mingtao Tan
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Shanchun Yan
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
| | - Dun Jiang
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
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Qi Z, Wang Q, Wang H, Tan M. Metallothionein Attenuated Arsenic-Induced Cytotoxicity: The Underlying Mechanism Reflected by Metabolomics and Lipidomics. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:5372-5380. [PMID: 33939412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic ions (As3+) have been recognized as a hazard that threatens the health of humans. Metallothionein (MT) rich in cysteine may provide favorable binding sites for chelation of As3+. However, the influence of MT on As3+-induced toxicity and the underlying mechanism are poorly understood, especially at the metabolic level. Herein, the effects of MT on As3+-induced toxicity were evaluated. Cell viability analysis suggested that MT alleviated As3+-induced cytotoxicity. The metabolic response of PC12 cells to As3+ investigated by lipidomics and metabolomics indicated that the presence of As3+ disrupted phospholipids metabolism and induced cell membrane damage. Moreover, energy and amino acid metabolism were perturbed by As3+. The perturbation of As3+ on metabolism was further illustrated by the decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the rise of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the contrary, MT rescued As3+-induced metabolic disorder and suppressed ROS accumulation. In addition, the binding process between As3+ and MT was characterized. The results proved that the As3+-MT complex was formed and chelated As3+-scavenged ROS, thus alleviating the toxic effects of As3+. These results revealed that MT would be a potential agent to reduce As3+-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Qi
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Sciecne, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Qinggongyuan 1, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
| | - Qinghong Wang
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Sciecne, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Qinggongyuan 1, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Sciecne, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Qinggongyuan 1, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
| | - Mingqian Tan
- Academy of Food Interdisciplinary Sciecne, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Qinggongyuan 1, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116034 Liaoning, China
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