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Bultelle F, Le Saux A, David E, Tanguy A, Devin S, Olivier S, Poret A, Chan P, Louis F, Delahaut L, Pain-Devin S, Péden R, Vaudry D, Le Foll F, Rocher B. Cadmium Highlights Common and Specific Responses of Two Freshwater Sentinel Species, Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis. Proteomes 2024; 12:10. [PMID: 38651369 PMCID: PMC11036304 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes12020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Zebra mussel (ZM), Dreissena polymorpha, commonly used as a sentinel species in freshwater biomonitoring, is now in competition for habitat with quagga mussel (QM), Dreissena rostriformis bugensis. This raises the question of the quagga mussel's use in environmental survey. To better characterise QM response to stress compared with ZM, both species were exposed to cadmium (100 µg·L-1), a classic pollutant, for 7 days under controlled conditions. The gill proteomes were analysed using two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. For ZM, 81 out of 88 proteoforms of variable abundance were identified using mass spectrometry, and for QM, 105 out of 134. Interestingly, the proteomic response amplitude varied drastically, with 5.6% of proteoforms of variable abundance (DAPs) in ZM versus 9.4% in QM. QM also exhibited greater cadmium accumulation. Only 12 common DAPs were observed. Several short proteoforms were detected, suggesting proteolysis. Functional analysis is consistent with the pleiotropic effects of the toxic metal ion cadmium, with alterations in sulphur and glutathione metabolisms, cellular calcium signalling, cytoskeletal dynamics, energy production, chaperone activation, and membrane events with numerous proteins involved in trafficking and endocytosis/exocytosis processes. Beyond common responses, the sister species display distinct reactions, with cellular response to stress being the main category involved in ZM as opposed to calcium and cytoskeleton alterations in QM. Moreover, QM exhibited greater evidence of proteolysis and cell death. Overall, these results suggest that QM has a weaker stress response capacity than ZM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Bultelle
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR ST, Scale FR-CNRS 3730, Le Havre Normandie University, 76063 Le Havre, France (B.R.)
| | - Aimie Le Saux
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR ST, Scale FR-CNRS 3730, Le Havre Normandie University, 76063 Le Havre, France (B.R.)
| | - Elise David
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR SEN, Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, 51100 Reims, France; (E.D.)
| | - Arnaud Tanguy
- UMR 7144, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Sorbonne University, 29680 Roscoff, France;
| | - Simon Devin
- LIEC, CNRS, UFR SCIFA, Lorraine University, 57000 Metz, France; (S.D.)
| | - Stéphanie Olivier
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR ST, Scale FR-CNRS 3730, Le Havre Normandie University, 76063 Le Havre, France (B.R.)
| | - Agnès Poret
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR ST, Scale FR-CNRS 3730, Le Havre Normandie University, 76063 Le Havre, France (B.R.)
| | - Philippe Chan
- INSERM US 51, CNRS UAR 2026, HeRacLeS, Rouen Normandie University, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- PISSARO IRIB, Rouen Normandie University, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Fanny Louis
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR SEN, Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, 51100 Reims, France; (E.D.)
- LIEC, CNRS, UFR SCIFA, Lorraine University, 57000 Metz, France; (S.D.)
| | - Laurence Delahaut
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR SEN, Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, 51100 Reims, France; (E.D.)
| | | | - Romain Péden
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR SEN, Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, 51100 Reims, France; (E.D.)
| | - David Vaudry
- INSERM U982 DC2N, Rouen Normandie University, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Frank Le Foll
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR ST, Scale FR-CNRS 3730, Le Havre Normandie University, 76063 Le Havre, France (B.R.)
| | - Béatrice Rocher
- UMR-I 02 INERIS-SEBIO, UFR ST, Scale FR-CNRS 3730, Le Havre Normandie University, 76063 Le Havre, France (B.R.)
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Zheng X, Li Y, Xu J, Lu Y. Response of Propsilocerus akamusi (Diptera: Chironomidae) to the leachates from AMD-contaminated sediments: Implications for metal bioremediation of AMD-polluted areas. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 266:106795. [PMID: 38070394 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106795] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Acid mine water (AMD) is a global environmental problem caused by coal mining with the characteristics of low pH and high concentrations of metals and sulfates. It is a pertinent topic to seek both economical and environmentally friendly approaches to minimize the harmful effects of AMD on the environment. Insect larvae are considered a promising solution for pollution treatment. Chironomidae is the most tolerant family to contaminants in pools and its larvae have a strong capacity for metal accumulation from sediment. This paper aimed to evaluate the larvae of Propsilocerus akamusi, a dominant species in the chironomid community, as a new species for entomoremediation in AMD-polluted areas. We detected the toxic effects of AMD on P. akamusi larvae based on their survival and the trace metals bioaccumulation capabilities of P. akamusi larvae. Moreover, we analyzed the expression patterns of four stress-response genes, HSP70, Eno1, HbV, and Hb VII in P. akamusi larvae. Our results revealed that AMD exposure did not significantly affect the survival of the P. akamusi larvae and individuals exposed to some AMD gradients even exhibited higher survival. We also observed the significantly accumulated concentrations of Fe, Ni, and Zn as well as higher bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Ni and Zn in the P. akamusi larvae exposure to AMD. Induced expression of Eno1 and Hb VII may play important roles in the AMD tolerance of P. akamusi larvae. This study indicated the potential application of P. akamusi larvae in the metal bioremediation of AMD-polluted areas. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental problem related to coal mining activities. AMD pollution has become a long-term, worldwide issue for its interactive and complex stress factors. Bioremediation is an effective method to remove the metals of AMD from wastewater to prevent downstream pollution. However, the disadvantages of the slow growth rate, susceptibility to seasonal changes, difficult post-harvest management, and small biomass of hyperaccumulating plants greatly limit the usefulness of phytoremediation. Insect larvae may be useful candidate organisms to overcome these shortcomings and have been considered a promising pollution solution. Propsilocerus akamusi is a dominant species in the chironomid community and is distributed widely in many lakes of eastern Asia. This species has extraordinary abilities to resist various stresses. This research is the first time to our knowledge to evaluate the application of P. akamusi as a new species in entomoremediation in AMD-contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyun Zheng
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China.
| | - Yuyu Li
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Jingchao Xu
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Yanchao Lu
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
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Liu W, Chang T, Zhao K, Sun X, Qiao H, Yan C, Wang Y. Genome-wide annotation of cuticular protein genes in non-biting midge Propsilocerus akamusi and transcriptome analysis of their response to heavy metal pollution. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 223:555-566. [PMID: 36356871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The insect cuticle is a sophisticated chitin-protein extracellular structure for mutable functions. The cuticles varied their structures and properties in different species, and the same species but in different regions or at different stages, to fill the requirements of different functions. The alteration of cuticle structures may also be induced due to challenges by some environmental crises, such as pollution exposures. The physical properties of the cuticle were determined by the cuticle proteins (CPs) they contain. The cuticle proteins are large protein groups in all insects, which are commonly divided into different families according to their conserved protein sequence motifs. Although Chironomidae is an abundant and universal insect in global aquatic ecosystems and a popular model for aquatic toxicology, no systematic annotation of CPs was done for any species in Chironomidae before. In this work, we annotated the CP genes of Propsilocerus akamusi, the most abundant Chironomidae species in Asia. A total of 160 CP genes were identified, and 97 of them could be well classified into eight CP families: 76 CPR genes can be subdivided into three groups (further divided into three subgroups: 36 RR1 genes, 37 RR2 genes, and 3 RR3 genes), 2 CPF genes, 3 CPLCA genes, 1 CPLCG gene, 8 CPAP genes, and 3 Tweedle genes. Additionally, we analyzed the response of P. akamusi CP genes at expression level to Cu exposure, which is related to the high heavy metal tolerance and the earlier onset of pupariation in heavy metal polluted water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Chang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Kangzhu Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoya Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Huanhuan Qiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Chuncai Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China.
| | - Yiwen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China.
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Zhao L, Zhu Y, Wang M, Han Y, Xu J, Feng W, Zheng X. Enolase, a cadmium resistance related protein from hyperaccumulator plant Phytolacca americana, increase the tolerance of Escherichia coli to cadmium stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:562-571. [PMID: 35802034 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2092064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phytolacca americana is a Cd hyperaccumulator plant that accumulates significant amounts of Cd in leaves, making it a valuable phytoremediation plant species. Our previous research found enolase (ENO) may play an important part in P. americana to cope with Cd stress. As a multifunctional enzyme, ENO was involved not only in glycolysis but also in the response of plants to various environmental stresses. However, there are few studies on the function of PaENO (P. americana enolase) in coping with Cd stress. In this study, the PaENO gene was isolated from P. americana, and the expression level of PaENO gene significantly increased after Cd treatment. The enzymatic activity analysis showed PaENO had typical ENO activity, and the 42-position serine was essential to the enzymatic activity of PaENO. The Cd resistance assay indicated the expression of PaENO remarkably enhanced the resistance of E. coli to Cd, which was achieved by reducing the Cd content in E. coli. Moreover, both the expression of inactive PaENO and PaMBP-1 (alternative translation product of PaENO) can improve the tolerance of E. coli to Cd. The results indicated PaENO may be alternatively translated into the transcription factor PaMBP-1 to participate in the response of P. americana to Cd stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunhao Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongguang Han
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weisheng Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoke Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
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Shaikhutdinov N, Gusev O. Chironomid midges (Diptera) provide insights into genome evolution in extreme environments. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 49:101-107. [PMID: 34990872 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Extremophiles often undergo marked changes in genomic architecture, likely as a result of adaptation to the harsh environments they inhabit. These changes can involve gene duplications that affect subsequent gene evolution and the regulation of gene expression. Excellent examples of this are provided by two non-biting chironomid midges (Diptera, Chironomidae): Polypedilum vanderplanki, which in its larval form can withstand almost complete water loss, and Belgica antarctica, which exhibits freeze tolerance. This review presents recent studies on the molecular adaptations and evolutionary features of these and other extremophile chironomid genomes, as well as biotechnological applications of a cell line derived from P. vanderplanki that can survive air-drying. We highlight the importance of genomics in identifying molecular pathways and genomic modifications associated with adaptation to extreme environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurislam Shaikhutdinov
- Extreme Biology Laboratory, Regulatory Genomics Research Center, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, 420012, Russia; Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia
| | - Oleg Gusev
- Extreme Biology Laboratory, Regulatory Genomics Research Center, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, 420012, Russia; Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan; RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, 230-004, Japan.
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6
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Sun X, Liu W, Li R, Zhao C, Pan L, Yan C. A chromosome level genome assembly of Propsilocerus akamusi to understand its response to heavy metal exposure. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1996-2012. [PMID: 33710757 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chironomidae species are universally used for studying the impact of pollutants in aquatic systems. The nonbiting midge Propsilocerus akamusi is often found in urban streams and is suitable for use as a toxicological bioindicator. However, few studies have previously examined metal stress in this species. We sequenced the genome of this urban midge to address this question. Here, we present the first chromosome-level genome of P. akamusi, obtained from Illumina short-read and PacBio long-read sequences with Hi-C technology. The size of the very small assembled genome was 85.83 Mb with a contig N50 of 6.2 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 26.1 Mb. This assembly revealed significant expansion of haemoglobin (Hb) genes, some of which formed large tandem repeats. Transcriptomic studies for copper tolerance identified four genes in the tandem array that were highly expressed, all of which presented intron loss. This characteristic might highlight the potential role of Hb genes in copper tolerance. Additionally, detoxification genes, chemosensory genes and heat shock protein genes of this midge were identified, some of which are associated with metal stress. The high-quality assembled genome of P. akamusi and the transcriptomic analyses provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of heavy metal stress. Our comparison of the P. akamusi genome with other dipteran genomes provides valuable resources for understanding the evolutionary history, genetics, and ecology of this species as well as those of other midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruoqun Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lina Pan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuncai Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
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Park K, Kwak IS. Multi-Level Gene Expression in Response to Environmental Stress in Aquatic Invertebrate Chironomids: Potential Applications in Water Quality Monitoring. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 259:77-122. [PMID: 34661753 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In freshwater ecosystems, aquatic invertebrates are influenced continuously by both physical stress and xenobiotics. Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae), or non-biting midges, are the most diverse and abundant invertebrates in freshwater habitats. They are a fundamental link in food chains of aquatic ecosystems. Chironomid larvae tolerate stress factors in their environments via various physiological processes. At the molecular level, environmental pollutants induce multi-level gene responses in Chironomus that regulate cellular protection through the activation of defense processes. This paper reviews literature on the transcriptional responses of biomarker genes to environmental stress in chironomids at the molecular level, in studies conducted from 1991 to 2020 (120 selected literatures of 374 results with the keywords "Chironomus and gene expression" by PubMed search tool). According to these studies, transcriptional responses in chironomids vary depending on the type of stress factor and defensive responses associated with antioxidant activity, the endocrine system, detoxification, homeostasis and stress response, energy metabolism, ribosomal machinery, apoptosis, DNA repair, and epigenetics. These data could provide a comprehensive overview of how Chironomus species respond to pollutants in aquatic environments. Furthermore, the transcriptomic data could facilitate the development of genetic tools for water quality and environmental monitoring based on resident chironomid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyun Park
- Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Ihn-Sil Kwak
- Department of Ocean Integrated Science and Fisheries Science Institute, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea.
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Zheng X, Li W, Gao Y. Knockdown of α-enolase (Eno1) genes by RNAi does not increase the sensitivity of Propsilocerus akamusi to cadmium stress. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3388-3393. [PMID: 32841668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
α-enolase (Eno1) is a multifunctional enzyme which can as a stress protein under various environmental stresses. Recent researches also reported that Eno1 appears to have Cd2+ stress-related functions in cadmium tolerant plants. Our previous study inferred that the Eno1 gene might play an important role in the response of Propsilocerus akamusi to exogenous Cd2+. However, reports on the role of the Eno1 gene in coping with cadmium stress are still limited. In this study, we evaluated the roles of PaEno1 in the tolerance of P. akamusi to Cd2+ using RNAi technology and the response of recombinant proteins of PaEno1 in an E. coli expression system under Cd2+ stress. Our results showed that knockdown of PaEno1 did not increase but reduce the sensitivity of P. akamusi larvae to Cd2+ stress. However, bioassays showed the expression of recombinant PaEno1 protein in Rosetta cells enhanced the growth ability of E. coli under Cd2+ stress. These results suggested that overexpression of PaEno1 can significantly enhance the tolerance to heavy metal cadmium stresses in E. coli cells. However, knockdown of PaEno1 genes by RNAi does not increase the sensitivity of P. akamusi to cadmium stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyun Zheng
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China.
| | - Wanghong Li
- School of Physical Exercise and Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Ye Gao
- School of Physical Exercise and Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
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Liang X, Martyniuk CJ, Simmons DBD. Are we forgetting the "proteomics" in multi-omics ecotoxicology? COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 36:100751. [PMID: 33142247 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Proteomics plays a significant role in discerning the effects of chemical exposures in animal taxa. Multi-omics applications have become more pervasive in toxicology, however questions remain about whether proteomics is being utilized by the community to its full potential - are we placing too much stock in transcriptomics and other omics approaches for developing adverse outcome pathways? Proteins are more relevant than transcripts because they are direct mediators of the resulting phenotype. There is also rarely perfect stoichiometry between transcript and protein abundance and transcript abundance may not accurately predict physiologic response. Proteins direct all levels of phenotype: structural proteins dictate physical form, enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, and proteins act as signaling proteins, antibodies, transporters, ion pumps, and transcription factors to control gene expression. Molecular initiating events (MIEs) of AOPs predominantly occur at the level of the protein (e.g. ligand-receptor binding) and proteomics can elucidate novel MIEs and mapping KEs in AOPs. This critical review highlights the need for proteomics in multi-omics studies in environmental toxicology and outlines steps required for inclusion and wider acceptance in chemical risk assessment. We also present case studies of multi-omics approaches that utilize proteomics and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities for proteomics in comparative ecotoxicology. Our intention is not to minimize the importance of other omics technologies, as each has strengths and limitations, but rather to encourage researchers to consider proteomics-based methods in multi-omics studies and AOP development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefang Liang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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