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Frings S, Schmidt-Schippers R, Lee WK. Epigenetic alterations in bioaccumulators of cadmium: Lessons from mammalian kidneys and plants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 191:109000. [PMID: 39278047 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109000] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Faced with unpredictable changes in global weather patterns, release and redistribution of metals through land erosion and water movements add to the increasing use of metals in industrial activities causing high levels of environmental pollution and concern to the health of all living organisms. Cadmium is released into the environment by smelting and mining, entering the food chain via contaminated soils, water, and phosphate fertilizers. Bioaccumulation of cadmium in plants represents the first major step into the human food chain and contributes to toxicity of several organs, especially the kidneys, where biomagnification of cadmium occurs over decades of exposure. Even in small amounts, cadmium brings about alterations at the molecular and cellular levels in eukaryotes through mutagenicity, molecular mimicry at metal binding sites and oxidative stress. The epigenome dictates expression of a gene's output through a number of regulatory steps involving chromatin remodeling, nucleosome unwinding, DNA accessibility, or nucleic acid modifications that ultimately impact the transcriptional and translational machinery. Several epigenetic enzymes exhibit zinc-dependence as zinc metalloenzymes and zinc finger proteins thus making them susceptible to deregulation through displacement by cadmium. In this review, we summarize the literature on cadmium-induced epigenetic mechanisms in mammalian kidneys and plants, compare similarities in the epigenetic defense between these bioaccumulators, and explore how future studies could advance our understanding of the cadmium-induced stress response and disruption to biological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Frings
- Center for Biotechnology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Romy Schmidt-Schippers
- Center for Biotechnology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wing-Kee Lee
- Physiology and Pathophysiology of Cells and Membranes, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Guo AH, Kumar S, Lombard DB. Epigenetic mechanisms of cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 32:100372. [PMID: 37193357 PMCID: PMC10168606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2022.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread toxic pollutant that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Cd exposure in humans occurs primarily through consumption of contaminated food and water, cigarette smoking, and industrial applications. The kidney proximal tubular (PT) epithelial cells are the primary target of Cd toxicity. Cd-induced injury to PT cells impedes tubular reabsorption. Despite the many long-term sequelae of Cd exposure, molecular mechanisms of Cd toxicity are poorly understood, and no specific therapies exist to mitigate the effects of Cd exposure. In this review, we summarize recent work linking Cd-mediated damage to epigenetic perturbations - DNA methylation, and levels of histone modifications, including methylation and acetylation. New insights into the links between Cd intoxication and epigenetic damage will contribute to an improved understanding of Cd's pleiotropic impacts on cells, and perhaps lead to new, mechanism-based treatments for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela H Guo
- Cell Signaling Technology, Danvers, MA 01923, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David B Lombard
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Niekerk LA, Carelse MF, Bakare OO, Mavumengwana V, Keyster M, Gokul A. The Relationship between Cadmium Toxicity and the Modulation of Epigenetic Traits in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137046. [PMID: 34209014 PMCID: PMC8268939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) have a negative impact on staple crop production due to their ability to elicit cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on plants. In order to understand the relationship between Cd stress and plants in an effort to improve Cd tolerance, studies have identified genetic mechanisms which could be important for conferring stress tolerance. In recent years epigenetic studies have garnered much attention and hold great potential in both improving the understanding of Cd stress in plants as well as revealing candidate mechanisms for future work. This review describes some of the main epigenetic mechanisms involved in Cd stress responses. We summarize recent literature and data pertaining to chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, histone acetylation and miRNAs in order to understand the role these epigenetic traits play in cadmium tolerance. The review aims to provide the framework for future studies where these epigenetic traits may be used in plant breeding and molecular studies in order to improve Cd tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Ann Niekerk
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (L.-A.N.); (M.F.C.); (O.O.B.)
| | - Mogamat Fahiem Carelse
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (L.-A.N.); (M.F.C.); (O.O.B.)
| | - Olalekan Olanrewaju Bakare
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (L.-A.N.); (M.F.C.); (O.O.B.)
| | - Vuyo Mavumengwana
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg Campus, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
| | - Marshall Keyster
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (L.-A.N.); (M.F.C.); (O.O.B.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.G.); Tel.: +27-587185392 (M.K. & A.G.)
| | - Arun Gokul
- Department of Plant Sciences, Qwaqwa Campus, University of the Free State, Phuthadithjaba 9866, South Africa
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.G.); Tel.: +27-587185392 (M.K. & A.G.)
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Wang X, Wang M, Zeng L, Su P. Hypomethylation of LINE-1 retrotransposons is associated with cadmium-induced testicular injury. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:40749-40756. [PMID: 32671713 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Retrotransposons, as vital regulator of male fertility, are essential for spermatogenesis. Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant and endocrine disruptor, targeting the reproductive system. Growing evidence shows that Cd exposure can induce male infertility in mammals. In this study, we generated a male C57BL/6 J mice model with consecutive 35 days cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in different concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg. The results indicated that 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg CdCl2 significantly affected the body weight. Meanwhile, the highest dose group with 2.0 mg/kg CdCl2 presented low fertility. Furthermore, the expression of retrotransposon mRNA was markedly increased in the higher doses group. We examined methylcytosine (mC) levels of the three active LINE-1 subfamilies TfI, A, and GfII in testis. Conclusively, Cd exposure probably undermines the male mice fertility by disrupting DNA methylation to regulate the retrotransposons. Further studies are required for identifying whether retrotransposon activation has any significant impacts on genome structure, stability, and expression in Cd-induced testicular injury, laying foundation for the treatment for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproduction Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Cell organelles as targets of mammalian cadmium toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1017-1049. [PMID: 32206829 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ever increasing environmental presence of cadmium as a consequence of industrial activities is considered a health hazard and is closely linked to deteriorating global health status. General animal and human cadmium exposure ranges from ingestion of foodstuffs sourced from heavily polluted hotspots and cigarette smoke to widespread contamination of air and water, including cadmium-containing microplastics found in household water. Cadmium is promiscuous in its effects and exerts numerous cellular perturbations based on direct interactions with macromolecules and its capacity to mimic or displace essential physiological ions, such as iron and zinc. Cell organelles use lipid membranes to form complex tightly-regulated, compartmentalized networks with specialized functions, which are fundamental to life. Interorganellar communication is crucial for orchestrating correct cell behavior, such as adaptive stress responses, and can be mediated by the release of signaling molecules, exchange of organelle contents, mechanical force generated through organelle shape changes or direct membrane contact sites. In this review, cadmium effects on organellar structure and function will be critically discussed with particular consideration to disruption of organelle physiology in vertebrates.
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Cowley M, Skaar DA, Jima DD, Maguire RL, Hudson KM, Park SS, Sorrow P, Hoyo C. Effects of Cadmium Exposure on DNA Methylation at Imprinting Control Regions and Genome-Wide in Mothers and Newborn Children. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:037003. [PMID: 29529597 PMCID: PMC6071808 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imprinted genes are defined by their preferential expression from one of the two parental alleles. This unique mode of gene expression is dependent on allele-specific DNA methylation profiles established at regulatory sequences called imprinting control regions (ICRs). These loci have been used as biosensors to study how environmental exposures affect methylation and transcription. However, a critical unanswered question is whether they are more, less, or equally sensitive to environmental stressors as the rest of the genome. OBJECTIVES Using cadmium exposure in humans as a model, we aimed to determine the relative sensitivity of ICRs to perturbation of methylation compared to similar, nonimprinted loci in the genome. METHODS We assayed DNA methylation genome-wide using bisulfite sequencing of 19 newborn cord blood and 20 maternal blood samples selected on the basis of maternal blood cadmium levels. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with cadmium exposure were identified. RESULTS In newborn cord blood and maternal blood, 641 and 1,945 cadmium-associated DMRs were identified, respectively. DMRs were more common at the 15 maternally methylated ICRs than at similar nonimprinted loci in newborn cord blood (p=5.64×10-8) and maternal blood (p=6.22×10-14), suggesting a higher sensitivity for ICRs to cadmium. Genome-wide, Enrichr analysis indicated that the top three functional categories for genes that overlapped DMRs in maternal blood were body mass index (BMI) (p=2.0×10-5), blood pressure (p=3.8×10-5), and body weight (p=0.0014). In newborn cord blood, the top three functional categories were BMI, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, although associations were not significant after correction for multiple testing (p=0.098). These findings suggest that epigenetic changes may contribute to the etiology of cadmium-associated diseases. CONCLUSIONS We analyzed cord blood and maternal blood DNA methylation profiles genome-wide at nucleotide resolution in individuals selected for high and low blood cadmium levels in the first trimester. Our findings suggest that ICRs may be hot spots for perturbation by cadmium, motivating further study of these loci to investigate potential mechanisms of cadmium action. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2085.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cowley
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology , North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - David A Skaar
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dereje D Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L Maguire
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathleen M Hudson
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah S Park
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patricia Sorrow
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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