Mutation spectrum of copper-induced DNA damage

The distribution of beneficial mutational effects between two sister yeast species poorly explains natural outcomes of vineyard adaptation

Domesticated strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have adapted to resist copper and sulfite, two chemical stressors commonly used in winemaking. S. paradoxus, has not adapted to these chemicals despite being consistently present in sympatry with S. cerevisiae in vineyards. This contrast represents a case of apparent evolutionary constraints favoring greater adaptive capacity in S. cerevisiae. In this study, we used a comparative mutagenesis approach to test whether S. paradoxus is mutationally constrained with respect to acquiring greater copper and sulfite resistance. For both species, we assayed the rate, effect size, and pleiotropic costs of resistance mutations and sequenced a subset of 150 mutants isolated from our screen. We found that the distributions of mutational effects displayed by the two species were very similar and poorly explained the natural pattern. We also found that chromosome VIII aneuploidy and loss of function mutations in PMA1 confer copper resistance in both species, whereas loss of function mutations in REG1 were only a viable route to copper resistance in S. cerevisiae. We also observed a single de novo duplication of the CUP1 gene in S. paradoxus but none in S. cerevisiae. For sulfite, loss of function mutations in RTS1 and KSP1 confer resistance in both species, but mutations in RTS1 have larger average effects in S. paradoxus. Our results show that even when the distributions of mutational effects are largely similar, species can differ in the adaptive paths available to them. They also demonstrate that assays of the distribution of mutational effects may lack predictive insight concerning adaptive outcomes.

Using structural equation modeling to assess the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of heavy metal contamination in the freshwater ecosystems: A study involving Oreochromis niloticus in an urban river

Chemical pollutants represent a leading problem for aquatic ecosystems, as they can induce genetic, biochemical, and physiological changes in the species of these ecosystems, thus compromising their adaptability and survival. The Capibaribe River runs through the state of Pernambuco, located in Northeastern Brazil, and passes through areas of agricultural cultivation, densely populated cities, and industrial centers, primarily textiles. Despite its importance, few ecotoxicological studies have been conducted on its environment, and knowledge about pollution patterns and their effects on its biota is still being determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality and the damage supposed to be caused by pollutants on the DNA specimens of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from seven strategic points of Capibaribe. Tilapia specimens and water were collected during the rainy and dry seasons from 2015 to 2017. The following characteristics were analyzed: physicochemical (six), metal concentration (seven), local pluviosity, micronuclei, and comet assay. The physicochemical and heavy metal analyses were exploratory, whereas the ecotoxicological analyses were hypothetical. To verify this hypothesis, we compared the groups of fish collected to the results of the micronuclei test and comet assay. We created a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to determine how each metal's micronuclei variables, damage index, pluviosity, and concentration were related. Our results demonstrated that the highest values for markers of genetic damage were detected at points with the highest heavy metal concentrations, especially iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, and cadmium. The SEM demonstrated that metals could explain the findings of the genotoxicity markers. Moreover, other pollutants, such as pesticides, should be considered, mainly where the river passes through rural areas. The results presented here demonstrate that the Capibaribe River has different degrees of contamination and confirm our hypothesis.

The effect of ingested copper on the structural and cytotoxic properties of Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae) spider silk

Spiders, assigned to macroconcentrators of heavy metals, are particularly threatened by the toxic effects of these chemicals. Until now, it has not been specified to what extent metals alter the processes proceeding in silk glands and if such changes could consequently influence the chemical and structural properties of the spun web threads. In the present study selected biological properties of Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae) silk yarn after nutritional exposure to copper at sublethal doses (0.234 mM CuSO4) were assessed. It was determined both changes in ultrastructure of ampullate glands and hunting web's architecture as well the cytotoxic effect in model cells (fibroblasts: line ATCC® CCL-1 NCTC clone 929), that were in contact with the analyzed biomaterial. The exposure of spiders to copper caused the occurrence of apoptotic cells in the ampullate glands as well as a significant reduction in the diameter of single fibers in double and multiple connection complexes as compared with control. At both 24 and 72 h of incubation, intensification of apoptotic and necrotic processes was observed in the fibroblast cultures that were remaining in indirect contact with the webs produced by copper-contaminated individuals. In the case of fibroblasts in direct contact with silk from the copper group, a clear cytotoxic effect resulting in an increased frequency of necrosis was observed after 72 h of incubation. The results indicated that copper may change the biological properties of spider silk and compromise its biomaterial properties.

Chlorogenic acid as an indispensible partner of caffeic acid in coffee via selective regulation of prooxidative actions of caffeic acid

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeic acid (CA) are two major phenolic acids in coffee. Though the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified CA as a Group2B carcinogen, coffee consumption seems generally safe within the usual levels of intake and is more likely to benefit health than to harm it. We thus speculated that CGA may effectively suppress the carcinogenic potential of CA. In a molar ratio achievable in vivo, this study shows that CGA can inhibit (i) copper reduction caused by CA, (ii) CA oxidation caused by copper, (iii) the formation of hydroxyl radicals by CA and copper, and (iv) DNA damage induced by CA, quercetin or (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the presence of copper. CA tends to undergo autoxidation to produce hydrogen peroxide and quinone, which further reacts with proteins to form quinoproteins. This autoxidation at a tolerable level normally induces beneficial adaptive responses. This study shows that CGA is less efficient than CA in producing hydrogen peroxide and quinoprotein; however, together they synergistically produce hydrogen peroxide and quinoprotein in vitro at a molar ratio achievable in vivo. In conclusion, CGA can selectively regulate the prooxidant activities of CA depending on whether copper is involved or not. CGA could be viewed as an indispensable partner of CA in coffee, given its dual role in suppressing the carcinogenic potential of CA and boosting CA autoxidation which is beneficial for disease prevention.

Copper metabolism in cell death and autophagy

Copper is an essential trace element in biological systems, maintaining the activity of enzymes and the function of transcription factors. However, at high concentrations, copper ions show increased toxicity by inducing regulated cell death, such as apoptosis, paraptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Furthermore, copper ions can trigger macroautophagy/autophagy, a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway that plays a dual role in regulating the survival or death fate of cells under various stress conditions. Pathologically, impaired copper metabolism due to environmental or genetic causes is implicated in a variety of human diseases, such as rare Wilson disease and common cancers. Therapeutically, copper-based compounds are potential chemotherapeutic agents that can be used alone or in combination with other drugs or approaches to treat cancer. Here, we review the progress made in understanding copper metabolic processes and their impact on the regulation of cell death and autophagy. This knowledge may help in the design of future clinical tools to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.Abbreviations: ACSL4, acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4; AIFM1/AIF, apoptosis inducing factor mitochondria associated 1; AIFM2, apoptosis inducing factor mitochondria associated 2; ALDH, aldehyde dehydrogenase; ALOX, arachidonate lipoxygenase; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; APAF1, apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1; ATF4, activating transcription factor 4; ATG, autophagy related; ATG13, autophagy related 13; ATG5, autophagy related 5; ATOX1, antioxidant 1 copper chaperone; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; ATP7A, ATPase copper transporting alpha; ATP7B, ATPase copper transporting beta; BAK1, BCL2 antagonist/killer 1; BAX, BCL2 associated X apoptosis regulator; BBC3/PUMA, BCL2 binding component 3; BCS, bathocuproinedisulfonic acid; BECN1, beclin 1; BID, BH3 interacting domain death agonist; BRCA1, BRCA1 DNA repair associated; BSO, buthionine sulphoximine; CASP1, caspase 1; CASP3, caspase 3; CASP4/CASP11, caspase 4; CASP5, caspase 5; CASP8, caspase 8; CASP9, caspase 9; CCS, copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase; CD274/PD-L1, CD274 molecule; CDH2, cadherin 2; CDKN1A/p21, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A; CDKN1B/p27, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B; COMMD10, COMM domain containing 10; CoQ10, coenzyme Q 10; CoQ10H2, reduced coenzyme Q 10; COX11, cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone COX11; COX17, cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone COX17; CP, ceruloplasmin; CYCS, cytochrome c, somatic; DBH, dopamine beta-hydroxylase; DDIT3/CHOP, DNA damage inducible transcript 3; DLAT, dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase; DTC, diethyldithiocarbamate; EIF2A, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A; EIF2AK3/PERK, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; ESCRT-III, endosomal sorting complex required for transport-III; ETC, electron transport chain; FABP3, fatty acid binding protein 3; FABP7, fatty acid binding protein 7; FADD, Fas associated via death domain; FAS, Fas cell surface death receptor; FASL, Fas ligand; FDX1, ferredoxin 1; GNAQ/11, G protein subunit alpha q/11; GPX4, glutathione peroxidase 4; GSDMD, gasdermin D; GSH, glutathione; HDAC, histone deacetylase; HIF1, hypoxia inducible factor 1; HIF1A, hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha; HMGB1, high mobility group box 1; IL1B, interleukin 1 beta; IL17, interleukin 17; KRAS, KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase; LOX, lysyl oxidase; LPCAT3, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3; MAP1LC3, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAP2K1, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1; MAP2K2, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinases; MAPK14/p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14; MEMO1, mediator of cell motility 1; MT-CO1/COX1, mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I; MT-CO2/COX2, mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase II; MTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTs, metallothioneins; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; NFKB/NF-Κb, nuclear factor kappa B; NLRP3, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3; NPLOC4/NPL4, NPL4 homolog ubiquitin recognition factor; PDE3B, phosphodiesterase 3B; PDK1, phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; PHD, prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain; PIK3C3/VPS34, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PMAIP1/NOXA, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1; POR, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase; PUFA-PL, PUFA of phospholipids; PUFAs, polyunsaturated fatty acids; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SCO1, synthesis of cytochrome C oxidase 1; SCO2, synthesis of cytochrome C oxidase 2; SLC7A11, solute carrier family 7 member 11; SLC11A2/DMT1, solute carrier family 11 member 2; SLC31A1/CTR1, solute carrier family 31 member 1; SLC47A1, solute carrier family 47 member 1; SOD1, superoxide dismutase; SP1, Sp1 transcription factor; SQSTM1/p62, sequestosome 1; STEAP4, STEAP4 metalloreductase; TAX1BP1, Tax1 binding protein 1; TEPA, tetraethylenepentamine; TFEB, transcription factor EB; TM, tetrathiomolybdate; TP53/p53, tumor protein p53; TXNRD1, thioredoxin reductase 1; UCHL5, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L5; ULK1, Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; ULK1, unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; ULK2, unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2; USP14, ubiquitin specific peptidase 14; VEGF, vascular endothelial gro wth factor; XIAP, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis.

Experimental evidence of the anti-bacterial activity pathway of copper ion treatment on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Copper causes significant damage to the integrity of many bacteria, mainly at the DNA level, through its redox states, as well as its reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating capacity at the cellular level. But whether these mechanisms also apply to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is unknown. In the present study, we have evaluated whether copper ions produce damage at the DNA level of MAP, either through their redox states or through ROS production. MAP-spiked PBS was first supplemented with different copper chelators (2) and ROS antioxidants (3), followed by treatment with copper ions at 942 ppm. MAP DNA integrity (qPCR, magnetic phage separation) was then evaluated. We found that bathocuproine (BCS), as a chelator, and D-mannitol, as an antioxidant of hydroxyl radicals, had a significant protective effect (P < 0.05) on DNA molecules, and that EDTA, as a chelator, and D-mannitol, as an antioxidant had a significant positive effect (P < 0.05) on the viability of this pathogen in contrast to the control and other chelators and anti-oxidants used. In light of the reported findings, it may be concluded that copper ions within MAP cells are directly related to MAP DNA damage.

Biocides used as material preservatives modify rates of de novo mutation and horizontal gene transfer in bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem with the environment being an important compartment for the evolution and transmission of AMR. Previous studies showed that de-novo mutagenesis and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) by conjugation or transformation - important processes underlying resistance evolution and spread - are affected by antibiotics, metals and pesticides. However, natural microbial communities are also frequently exposed to biocides used as material preservatives, but it is unknown if these substances induce mutagenesis and HGT. Here, we show that active substances used in material preservatives can increase rates of mutation and conjugation in a species- and substance-dependent manner, while rates of transformation are not increased. The bisbiguanide chlorhexidine digluconate, the quaternary ammonium compound didecyldimethylammonium chloride, the metal copper, the pyrethroid-insecticide permethrin, and the azole-fungicide propiconazole increase mutation rates in Escherichia coli, whereas no increases were identified for Bacillus subtilis and Acinetobacter baylyi. Benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine and permethrin increased conjugation in E. coli. Moreover, our results show a connection between the RpoS-mediated general stress and the RecA-linked SOS response with increased rates of mutation and conjugation, but not for all biocides. Taken together, our data show the importance of assessing the contribution of material preservatives on AMR evolution and spread.

Exploitation of Antimicrobial Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Biomedical Engineering

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to public health, which contributes largely to increased mortality rates and costs in hospitals. The severity and widespread nature of antibiotic resistance result in limited treatments to effectively combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Nanoparticles have different or enhanced properties in contrast to their bulk material, including antimicrobial efficacy towards a broad range of microorganisms. Their beneficial properties can be utilised in various bioengineering technologies. Thus, antimicrobial nanoparticles may provide an alternative to challenge antibiotic resistance. Currently, nanoparticles have been incorporated into materials, such as fibres, glass and paints. However, more research is required to elucidate the mechanisms of action fully and to advance biomedical applications further. This paper reviews the antimicrobial efficacies and the intrinsic properties of different metallic nanoparticles, their potential mechanisms of action against certain types of harmful pathogens and how these properties may be utilised in biomedical and healthcare products with the aim to reduce cross contaminations, disease transmissions and usage of antibiotics.

Brass Alloys: Copper-Bottomed Solutions against Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Copper has been used for its antimicrobial properties since Antiquity. Nowadays, touch surfaces made of copper-based alloys such as brasses are used in healthcare settings in an attempt to reduce the bioburden and limit environmental transmission of nosocomial pathogens. After a brief history of brass uses, the various mechanisms that are thought to be at the basis of brass antimicrobial action will be described. Evidence shows that direct contact with the surface as well as cupric and cuprous ions arising from brass surfaces are instrumental in the antimicrobial effectiveness. These copper ions can lead to oxidative stress, membrane alterations, protein malfunctions, and/or DNA damages. Laboratory studies back up a broad spectrum of activity of brass surfaces on bacteria with the possible exception of bacteria in their sporulated form. Various parameters influencing the antimicrobial activity such as relative humidity, temperature, wet/dry inoculation or wear have been identified, making it mandatory to standardize antibacterial testing. Field trials using brass and copper surfaces consistently report reductions in the bacterial bioburden but, evidence is still sparse as to a significant impact on hospital acquired infections. Further work is also needed to assess the long-term effects of chemical/physical wear on their antimicrobial effectiveness.

Neural stem cell-specific ITPA deficiency causes neural depolarization and epilepsy

Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) hydrolyzes inosine triphosphate (ITP) and other deaminated purine nucleotides to the corresponding nucleoside monophosphates. In humans, ITPA deficiency causes severe encephalopathy with epileptic seizure, microcephaly, and developmental retardation. In this study, we established neural stem cell-specific Itpa-conditional KO mice (Itpa-cKO mice) to clarify the effects of ITPA deficiency on the neural system. The Itpa-cKO mice showed growth retardation and died within 3 weeks of birth. We did not observe any microcephaly in the Itpa-cKO mice, although the female Itpa-cKO mice did show adrenal hypoplasia. The Itpa-cKO mice showed limb-clasping upon tail suspension and spontaneous and/or audiogenic seizure. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from entorhinal cortex neurons in brain slices revealed a depolarized resting membrane potential, increased firing, and frequent spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic current and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current in the Itpa-cKO mice compared with ITPA-proficient controls. Accumulated ITP or its metabolites, such as cyclic inosine monophosphates, or RNA containing inosines may cause membrane depolarization and hyperexcitability in neurons and induce the phenotype of ITPA-deficient mice, including seizure.

Hippocampal Subcellular Organelle Proteomic Alteration of Copper-Treated Mice

Copper neurotoxicity has been implicated in multiple neurological diseases. However, there is a lack of deep understanding on copper neurotoxicity, especially for low-dose copper exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic, low-dose copper treatment (0.13 ppm copper chloride in drinking water) on hippocampal mitochondrial and nuclear proteome in mice by 2-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF-MS/MS. Behavioral tests revealed that low-dose copper caused spatial memory impairment, DNA oxidative damage as well as loss of synaptic proteins. Proteomic analysis revealed modulation of 31 hippocampal mitochondrial proteins (15 increased and 16 decreased), and 46 hippocampal nuclear proteins (18 increased and 28 decreased) in copper-treated versus untreated mice. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins are mainly involved energy metabolism (NDUV1, COX5B, IDH3A, and PGAM1), synapses (complexin-2, synapsin-2), DNA damage (PDIA3), apoptosis (GRP75), and oxidative stress (SODC, PRDX3). Among these differentially expressed proteins, synapsin-2, a synaptic-related protein, was found to be significantly decreased as confirmed by Western-blot analysis. In addition, we found that superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SODC), a copper ion target protein, was identified to be decreased in copper-treated mice versus untreated mice. We also found that stathmin (STMN1), a microtubule-destabilizing neuroprotein, was significantly decreased in hippocampal nuclei of copper-treated mice versus untreated mice. Taken together, we conclude that low-dose copper exposure causes spatial memory impairment and perturbs multiple biological/pathogenic processes by dysregulating the mitochondrial and nuclear proteome, particularly the proteins related to respiratory chain, synaptic vesicle fusion, axonal/neurtic integrity, and oxidative stress. The change of STMN1 and SODC may represent early novel biomarkers of copper neurotoxicity.

Fitness and Genomic Consequences of Chronic Exposure to Low Levels of Copper and Nickel in Daphnia pulex Mutation Accumulation Lines

In at least some unicellular organisms, mutation rates are temporarily raised upon exposure to environmental stress, potentially contributing to the evolutionary response to stress. Whether this is true for multicellular organisms, however, has received little attention. This study investigated the effects of chronic mild stress, in the form of low-level copper and nickel exposure, on mutational processes in Daphnia pulex using a combination of mutation accumulation, whole genome sequencing and life-history assays. After over 100 generations of mutation accumulation, we found no effects of metal exposure on the rates of single nucleotide mutations and of loss of heterozygosity events, the two mutation classes that occurred in sufficient numbers to allow statistical analysis. Similarly, rates of decline in fitness, as measured by intrinsic rate of population increase and of body size at first reproduction, were negligibly affected by metal exposure. We can reject the possibility that Daphnia were insufficiently stressed to invoke genetic responses as we have previously shown rates of large-scale deletions and duplications are elevated under metal exposure in this experiment. Overall, the mutation accumulation lines did not significantly depart from initial values for phenotypic traits measured, indicating the lineage used was broadly mutationally robust. Taken together, these results indicate that the mutagenic effects of chronic low-level exposure to these metals are restricted to certain mutation classes and that fitness consequences are likely minor and therefore unlikely to be relevant in determining the evolutionary responses of populations exposed to these stressors.

Rapid in situ assessment of Cu-ion mediated effects and antibacterial efficacy of copper surfaces

Release of metal ions from metal-based surfaces has been considered one of the main drivers of their antimicrobial activity. Here we describe a method that enables parallel assessment of metal ion release from solid metallic surfaces and antimicrobial efficacy of these surfaces in a short time period. The protocol involves placement of a small volume of bioluminescent bacteria onto the tested surface and direct measurement of bioluminescence at various time points. In this study, two recombinant Escherichia coli strains, one expressing bioluminescence constitutively and applicable for general antimicrobial testing, and the other induced by Cu ions, were selected. Decrease in bioluminescence of constitutive E. coli on the surfaces showed a good correlation with the decrease in bacterial viability. Response of Cu-inducible E. coli showed a correlation with Cu content in the tested surfaces but not with Cu dissolution suggesting the role of direct bacteria-surface contact in Cu ion-driven antibacterial effects. In summary, the presented protocol enables the analysis of microbial toxicity and bioavailability of surface-released metal ions directly on solid surfaces within 30-60 min. Although optimized for copper and copper alloy surfaces and E. coli, the method can be extended to other types of metallic surfaces and bacterial strains.

Neurotoxicity of Copper

Copper is an essential trace metal that is required for several important biological processes, however, an excess of copper can be toxic to cells. Therefore, systemic and cellular copper homeostasis is tightly regulated, but dysregulation of copper homeostasis may occur in disease states, resulting either in copper deficiency or copper overload and toxicity. This chapter will give an overview on the biological roles of copper and of the mechanisms involved in copper uptake, storage, and distribution. In addition, we will describe potential mechanisms of the cellular toxicity of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on the connection of copper toxicity with neurodegenerative diseases.

Copper Alters the Conformation and Transcriptional Activity of the Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 in Human Hep G2 Cells

The tumor suppressor protein p53 plays a role in the molecular response to DNA damage by acting as a DNA-binding transcription factor that regulates specific target genes to arrest the cell cycle, induce repair mechanisms, and initiate apoptotic cell death. To test the effect of copper on the transcriptional activity of p53, Hep G2 cells were transiently transfected with a luciferase reporter gene downstream from multiple p53 response elements. Co-transfection with the p53 gene resulted in a 6-fold increase in luciferase activity, showing that p53 acts as a transcription factor in this system. However, in the presence of copper, luciferase activity was significantly reduced. Oligonucleotide arrays representing 145 known p53-associated genes were hybridized with biotinylated cDNAs from mRNA extracted from control and copper-treated Hep G2 cells. Among the genes that were differentially regulated were fos, RB1, glutathione peroxidase, TGF-β, and 15-lipoxygenase, a gene known to be activated by mutant p53. Although control Hep G2 cells synthesize wild-type p53, immunocytochemistry identified not only wild type, but also mutant p53 in the presence of copper and other agents that induce oxidative damage. Thus, this report not only identifies genes that may play a role in copper-mediated apoptosis, but also suggests that copper-induced oxidative processes result in the synthesis of mutant p53 with altered transcriptional properties.

Understanding the antimicrobial activity behind thin- and thick-rolled copper plates

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial properties of the surfaces of copper plates that were rolled to a thickness of 25 and 100 μm. Differences in topology of 25- and 100-μm-thick copper plates were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial activity of the copper surfaces was tested against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus sp. BY1, Enterococcus sp. BY2, and Bacillus cereus BY3. Changes in viable cell numbers were determined by plating onto optimal growth media and staining with LIVE/DEAD BacLight™. Changes in metabolic activity were recorded by expression of the luciferase (lux) gene. Cell morphology was studied using SEM. Accumulation and diffusion of copper from cells were recorded using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Lipid and protein oxidation were recorded spectrophotometrically. Surfaces of 25-μm-thick copper plates were rough compared to that of 100-μm-thick copper plates. For most species, a five-log reduction in cell numbers, cell membrane instability, and a decline in metabolic activity were recorded after 15 min of exposure to 25-μm-thick copper plates. Copper accumulated in the cells, and lipids and proteins were oxidized. The rough surface of thinner copper plates (25 μm thick) released more copper and was more antimicrobial compared to thicker (100 μm) copper plates. Cell death was attributed to destabilization of the cell membrane, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation.

Searching for the Optimal Sampling Solution: Variation in Invertebrate Communities, Sample Condition and DNA Quality

There is a great demand for standardising biodiversity assessments in order to allow optimal comparison across research groups. For invertebrates, pitfall or flight-interception traps are commonly used, but sampling solution differs widely between studies, which could influence the communities collected and affect sample processing (morphological or genetic). We assessed arthropod communities with flight-interception traps using three commonly used sampling solutions across two forest types and two vertical strata. We first considered the effect of sampling solution and its interaction with forest type, vertical stratum, and position of sampling jar at the trap on sample condition and community composition. We found that samples collected in copper sulphate were more mouldy and fragmented relative to other solutions which might impair morphological identification, but condition depended on forest type, trap type and the position of the jar. Community composition, based on order-level identification, did not differ across sampling solutions and only varied with forest type and vertical stratum. Species richness and species-level community composition, however, differed greatly among sampling solutions. Renner solution was highly attractant for beetles and repellent for true bugs. Secondly, we tested whether sampling solution affects subsequent molecular analyses and found that DNA barcoding success was species-specific. Samples from copper sulphate produced the fewest successful DNA sequences for genetic identification, and since DNA yield or quality was not particularly reduced in these samples additional interactions between the solution and DNA must also be occurring. Our results show that the choice of sampling solution should be an important consideration in biodiversity studies. Due to the potential bias towards or against certain species by Ethanol-containing sampling solution we suggest ethylene glycol as a suitable sampling solution when genetic analysis tools are to be used and copper sulphate when focusing on morphological species identification and facing financial restrictions in biodiversity studies.

Possible use of BN-modified fullerene as a nano-biosensor to detect adenine–thymine Watson–Crick base pair in mutagenic tautomeric form: Theoretical approach

The present work deals with the theoretical investigation of electronic structure features and stability of adenine–thymine (AT) and rare tautomer of adenine–thymine (rAT) base pairs along with their complexes with Cu 2+ cation and their interactions with BN doped fullerene ( C 58 BN ). All the calculations have been performed with density functional theory using B3LYP functional. Electronic structures of the two base pairs are almost identical. Hence, it is rather difficult to distinguish between the two base pairs on the basis of their electronic properties. As per our theoretical calculations, we have observed that, BN modified fullerene could act as a nano-biosensor for detection of mispairing between these two complementary bases as well as their Cu 2+ complexes.

Metal toxicity and the p53 protein: an intimate relationship

The relationship between p53, ROS and transition metals.

Too much of a good thing: the unique and repeated paths toward copper adaptation

Copper is a micronutrient essential for growth due to its role as a cofactor in enzymes involved in respiration, defense against oxidative damage, and iron uptake. Yet too much of a good thing can be lethal, and yeast cells typically do not have tolerance to copper levels much beyond the concentration in their ancestral environment. Here, we report a short-term evolutionary study of Saccharomyces cerevisiae exposed to levels of copper sulfate that are inhibitory to the initial strain. We isolated and identified adaptive mutations soon after they arose, reducing the number of neutral mutations, to determine the first genetic steps that yeast take when adapting to copper. We analyzed 34 such strains through whole-genome sequencing and by assaying fitness within different environments; we also isolated a subset of mutations through tetrad analysis of four lines. We identified a multilayered evolutionary response. In total, 57 single base-pair mutations were identified across the 34 lines. In addition, gene amplification of the copper metallothionein protein, CUP1-1, was rampant, as was chromosomal aneuploidy. Four other genes received multiple, independent mutations in different lines (the vacuolar transporter genes VTC1 and VTC4; the plasma membrane H+-ATPase PMA1; and MAM3, a protein required for normal mitochondrial morphology). Analyses indicated that mutations in all four genes, as well as CUP1-1 copy number, contributed significantly to explaining variation in copper tolerance. Our study thus finds that evolution takes both common and less trodden pathways toward evolving tolerance to an essential, but highly toxic, micronutrient.

Hypermutation in human cancer genomes: footprints and mechanisms

A role for somatic mutations in carcinogenesis is well accepted, but the degree to which mutation rates influence cancer initiation and development is under continuous debate. Recently accumulated genomic data have revealed that thousands of tumour samples are riddled by hypermutation, broadening support for the idea that many cancers acquire a mutator phenotype. This major expansion of cancer mutation data sets has provided unprecedented statistical power for the analysis of mutation spectra, which has confirmed several classical sources of mutation in cancer, highlighted new prominent mutation sources (such as apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) enzymes) and empowered the search for cancer drivers. The confluence of cancer mutation genomics and mechanistic insight provides great promise for understanding the basic development of cancer through mutations.

Quantum chemical investigations of AlN-doped C60 for use as a nano-biosensor in detection of mispairing between DNA bases

Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to study the electronic structure and stability of adenine-thymine and the rare tautomer of adenine-thymine base pairs along with their Cu 2+ complexes and their interactions with AlN-modified fullerene (C58AlN) using Density Functional Theory (B3LYP method). Since, these two forms of base pairs and their Cu 2+ complexes have almost similar electronic structures, their chemical differentiation is an extremely difficult task. In this investigation, we have observed that AlN-doped C 60 could be used as a potentially viable nanoscale sensor to detect these two base pairs as well as their Cu2+ complexes.

Evolution of a higher intracellular oxidizing environment in Caenorhabditis elegans under relaxed selection

We explored the relationship between relaxed selection, oxidative stress, and spontaneous mutation in a set of mutation-accumulation (MA) lines of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and in their common ancestor. We measured steady-state levels of free radicals and oxidatively damaged guanosine nucleosides in the somatic tissues of five MA lines for which nuclear genome base substitution and GC-TA transversion frequencies are known. The two markers of oxidative stress are highly correlated and are elevated in the MA lines relative to the ancestor; point estimates of the per-generation rate of mutational decay (ΔM) of these measures of oxidative stress are similar to those reported for fitness-related traits. Conversely, there is no significant relationship between either marker of oxidative stress and the per-generation frequencies of base substitution or GC-TA transversion. Although these results provide no direct evidence for a causative relationship between oxidative damage and base substitution mutations, to the extent that oxidative damage may be weakly mutagenic in the germline, the case for condition-dependent mutation is advanced.

Copper induces apoptotic cell death through reactive oxygen species-triggered oxidative stress in the intertidal copepod Tigriopus japonicus

The copepod, Tigriopus japonicus is an important model for toxicity testing. However, no attempt has been made in analyzing the effect of toxicants at the level of the ROS-mediated signal transduction pathway. To understand copper-induced cytotoxicity at the molecular level, we employed several cellular and biochemical assays after exposure to copper, and found a significant induction of enzyme activities of antioxidant proteins with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as an increase of TUNEL-positive cells, but a decrease of BrdU-positive cells. In addition, several important genes such as p38 MAPK, antioxidant-related genes, Hsps, and apoptosis-related genes were significantly modulated by copper exposure. Taken together, we suggest that copper-induced cytotoxicity is mediated by the formation of intracellular ROS and oxidative stress in T. japonicus. Whole body biochemical assays such as TUNEL- and BrdU-assay will provide a better understanding of cellular responses such as apoptosis and cell death upon cytotoxic exposure of copper in T. japonicus.

Mitochondria, oxidative DNA damage, and aging

Protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and from mitochondrial oxidative damage is well known to be necessary to longevity. The relevance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to aging is suggested by the fact that the two most commonly measured forms of mtDNA damage, deletions and the oxidatively induced lesion 8-oxo-dG, increase with age. The rate of increase is species-specific and correlates with maximum lifespan. It is less clear that failure or inadequacies in the protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and from mitochondrial oxidative damage are sufficient to explain senescence. DNA containing 8-oxo-dG is repaired by mitochondria, and the high ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear levels of 8-oxo-dG previously reported are now suspected to be due to methodological difficulties. Furthermore, MnSOD -/+ mice incur higher than wild type levels of oxidative damage, but do not display an aging phenotype. Together, these findings suggest that oxidative damage to mitochondria is lower than previously thought, and that higher levels can be tolerated without physiological consequence. A great deal of work remains before it will be known whether mitochondrial oxidative damage is a "clock" which controls the rate of aging. The increased level of 8-oxo-dG seen with age in isolated mitochondria needs explanation. It could be that a subset of cells lose the ability to protect or repair mitochondria, resulting in their incurring disproportionate levels of damage. Such an uneven distribution could exceed the reserve capacity of these cells and have serious physiological consequences. Measurements of damage need to focus more on distribution, both within tissues and within cells. In addition, study must be given to the incidence and repair of other DNA lesions, and to the possibility that repair varies from species to species, tissue to tissue, and young to old.

The effect of zinc and the role of p53 in copper-induced cellular stress responses

Metals can directly or indirectly cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in cells, and this may result in programmed cell death. A number of previous studies have shown that zinc (Zn) modulates mitogenic activity via several signalling pathways, such as AKT, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF -κB), AP-1 and p53. The exact role that Zn plays in the regulation of apoptosis remains ambiguous. Intracellular free Zn modulates p53 activity and stability, and excess Zn alters the p53 protein structure and down-regulates p53's binding to DNA. Copper (Cu) accumulation causes apoptosis that seems to be mediated by DNA damage and subsequent p53 activation. Cu can also displace Zn from its normal binding site on p53, resulting in abnormal protein folding and disruption of p53 function. In spite of the induction of the tumour suppressor p53, hepatic Cu accumulation significantly increases the risk of cancerous neoplasm both in humans and rats, suggesting that p53 function may be impaired in these cells. It is generally understood that imbalances in Cu and Zn levels may lead to a higher prevalence of p53 mutations. An increased number of p53 mutations have been found in liver samples from Wilson's disease (WD) patients. High levels of the p53 mutation most probably contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer in individuals with WD, but the cause and effect are not clear. The protein p53 also plays a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of metallothionein, which indicates a novel regulatory role for p53. This review discusses the central role of p53 and the redox-inert metal Zn in the cellular stress responses induced by the redox active biometal Cu.

Antimicrobial metallic copper surfaces kill Staphylococcus haemolyticus via membrane damage

Recently, copper (Cu) in its metallic form has regained interest for its antimicrobial properties. Use of metallic Cu surfaces in worldwide hospital trials resulted in remarkable reductions in surface contaminations. Yet, our understanding of why microbes are killed upon contact to the metal is still limited and different modes of action have been proposed. This knowledge, however, is crucial for sustained use of such surfaces in hospitals and other hygiene-sensitive areas. Here, we report on the molecular mechanisms by which the Gram-positive Staphylococcus haemolyticus is inactivated by metallic Cu. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was killed within minutes on Cu but not on stainless steel demonstrating the antimicrobial efficacy of metallic Cu. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analysis and in vivo staining with Coppersensor-1 indicated that cells accumulated large amounts of Cu ions from metallic Cu surfaces contributing to lethal damage. Mutation rates of Cu- or steel-exposed cells were similarly low. Instead, live/dead staining indicated cell membrane damage in Cu- but not steel-exposed cells. These findings support a model of the cellular targets of metallic Cu toxicity in bacteria, which suggests that metallic Cu is not genotoxic and does not kill via DNA damage. In contrast, membranes constitute the likely Achilles’ heel of Cu surface-exposed cells.

Oxidatively induced DNA damage: mechanisms, repair and disease

Endogenous and exogenous sources cause oxidatively induced DNA damage in living organisms by a variety of mechanisms. The resulting DNA lesions are mutagenic and, unless repaired, lead to a variety of mutations and consequently to genetic instability, which is a hallmark of cancer. Oxidatively induced DNA damage is repaired in living cells by different pathways that involve a large number of proteins. Unrepaired and accumulated DNA lesions may lead to disease processes including carcinogenesis. Mutations also occur in DNA repair genes, destabilizing the DNA repair system. A majority of cancer cell lines have somatic mutations in their DNA repair genes. In addition, polymorphisms in these genes constitute a risk factor for cancer. In general, defects in DNA repair are associated with cancer. Numerous DNA repair enzymes exist that possess different, but sometimes overlapping substrate specificities for removal of oxidatively induced DNA lesions. In addition to the role of DNA repair in carcinogenesis, recent evidence suggests that some types of tumors possess increased DNA repair capacity that may lead to therapy resistance. DNA repair pathways are drug targets to develop DNA repair inhibitors to increase the efficacy of cancer therapy. Oxidatively induced DNA lesions and DNA repair proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for early detection, cancer risk assessment, prognosis and for monitoring therapy. Taken together, a large body of accumulated evidence suggests that oxidatively induced DNA damage and its repair are important factors in the development of human cancers. Thus this field deserves more research to contribute to the development of cancer biomarkers, DNA repair inhibitors and treatment approaches to better understand and fight cancer.

Mechanism of copper surface toxicity in Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella involves immediate membrane depolarization followed by slower rate of DNA destruction which differs from that observed for Gram-positive bacteria

We have reported previously that copper I and II ionic species, and superoxide but not Fenton reaction generated hydroxyl radicals, are important in the killing mechanism of pathogenic enterococci on copper surfaces. In this new work we determined if the mechanism was the same in non-pathogenic ancestral (K12) and laboratory (DH5α) strains, and a pathogenic strain (O157), of Escherichia coli. The pathogenic strain exhibited prolonged survival on stainless steel surfaces compared with the other E. coli strains but all died within 10 min on copper surfaces using a 'dry' inoculum protocol (with approximately 10(7)  cfu cm(-2) ) to mimic dry touch contamination. We observed immediate cytoplasmic membrane depolarization, not seen with enterococci or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and loss of outer membrane integrity, inhibition of respiration and in situ generation of reactive oxygen species on copper and copper alloy surfaces that did not occur on stainless steel. Chelation of copper (I) and (II) ionic species still had the most significant impact on bacterial survival but protection by d-mannitol suggests hydroxyl radicals are involved in the killing mechanism. We also observed a much slower rate of DNA destruction on copper surfaces compared with previous results for enterococci. This may be due to protection of the nucleic acid by the periplasm and the extensive cell aggregation that we observed on copper surfaces. Similar results were obtained for Salmonella species but partial quenching by d-mannitol suggests radicals other than hydroxyl may be involved. The results indicate that copper biocidal surfaces are effective for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but bacterial morphology affects the mechanism of toxicity. These surfaces could not only help to prevent infection spread but also prevent horizontal gene transmission which is responsible for the evolution of virulent toxin producing and antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Mechanism of copper surface toxicity in vancomycin-resistant enterococci following wet or dry surface contact

Contaminated touch surfaces have been implicated in the spread of hospital-acquired infections, and the use of biocidal surfaces could help to reduce this cross-contamination. In a previous study we reported the death of aqueous inocula of pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis or Enterococcus faecium isolates, simulating fomite surface contamination, in 1 h on copper alloys, compared to survival for months on stainless steel. In our current study we observed an even faster kill of over a 6-log reduction of viable enterococci in less than 10 min on copper alloys with a "dry" inoculum equivalent to touch contamination. We investigated the effect of copper(I) and copper(II) chelation and the quenching of reactive oxygen species on cell viability assessed by culture and their effects on genomic DNA, membrane potential, and respiration in situ on metal surfaces. We propose that copper surface toxicity for enterococci involves the direct or indirect action of released copper ionic species and the generation of superoxide, resulting in arrested respiration and DNA breakdown as the first stages of cell death. The generation of hydroxyl radicals by the Fenton reaction does not appear to be the dominant instrument of DNA damage. The bacterial membrane potential is unaffected in the early stages of wet and dry surface contact, suggesting that the membrane is not compromised until after cell death. These results also highlight the importance of correct surface cleaning protocols to perpetuate copper ion release and prevent the chelation of ions by contaminants, which could reduce the efficacy of the surface.

Bacterial killing by dry metallic copper surfaces

Metallic copper surfaces rapidly and efficiently kill bacteria. Cells exposed to copper surfaces accumulated large amounts of copper ions, and this copper uptake was faster from dry copper than from moist copper. Cells suffered extensive membrane damage within minutes of exposure to dry copper. Further, cells removed from copper showed loss of cell integrity. Acute contact with metallic copper surfaces did not result in increased mutation rates or DNA lesions. These findings are important first steps for revealing the molecular sensitive targets in cells lethally challenged by exposure to copper surfaces and provide a scientific explanation for the use of copper surfaces as antimicrobial agents for supporting public hygiene.

Mechanisms of contact-mediated killing of yeast cells on dry metallic copper surfaces

Surfaces made of copper or its alloys have strong antimicrobial properties against a wide variety of microorganisms. However, the molecular mode of action responsible for the antimicrobial efficacy of metallic copper is not known. Here, we show that dry copper surfaces inactivate Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae within minutes in a process called contact-mediated killing. Cellular copper ion homeostasis systems influenced the kinetics of contact-mediated killing in both organisms. Deregulated copper ion uptake through a hyperactive S. cerevisiae Ctr1p (ScCtr1p) copper uptake transporter in Saccharomyces resulted in faster inactivation of mutant cells than of wild-type cells. Similarly, lack of the C. albicans Crp1p (CaCrp1p) copper-efflux P-type ATPase or the metallothionein CaCup1p caused more-rapid killing of Candida mutant cells than of wild-type cells. Candida and Saccharomyces took up large quantities of copper ions as soon as they were in contact with copper surfaces, as indicated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analysis and by the intracellular copper ion-reporting dye coppersensor-1. Exposure to metallic copper did not cause lethality through genotoxicity, deleterious action on a cell's genetic material, as indicated by a mutation assay with Saccharomyces. Instead, toxicity mediated by metallic copper surfaces targeted membranes in both yeast species. With the use of Live/Dead staining, onset of rapid and extensive cytoplasmic membrane damage was observed in cells from copper surfaces. Fluorescence microscopy using the indicator dye DiSBaC(2)(3) indicated that cell membranes were depolarized. Also, during contact-mediated killing, vacuoles first became enlarged and then disappeared from the cells. Lastly, in metallic copper-stressed yeasts, oxidative stress in the cytoplasm and in mitochondria was elevated.

Hydrogen sulfide induces oxidative damage to RNA and DNA in a sulfide-tolerant marine invertebrate

Hydrogen sulfide acts as an environmental toxin across a range of concentrations and as a cellular signaling molecule at very low concentrations. Despite its toxicity, many animals, including the mudflat polychaete Glycera dibranchiata, are periodically or continuously exposed to sulfide in their environment. We tested the hypothesis that a broad range of ecologically relevant sulfide concentrations induces oxidative stress and oxidative damage to RNA and DNA in G. dibranchiata. Coelomocytes exposed in vitro to sulfide (0-3 mmol L(-1) for 1 h) showed dose-dependent increases in oxidative stress (as 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence) and superoxide production (as dihydroethidine fluorescence). Coelomocytes exposed in vitro to sulfide (up to 0.73 mmol L(-1) for 2 h) also acquired increased oxidative damage to RNA (detected as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine) and DNA (detected as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine). Worms exposed in vivo to sulfide (0-10 mmol L(-1) for 24 h) acquired elevated oxidative damage to RNA and DNA in both coelomocytes and body wall tissue. While the consequences of RNA and DNA oxidative damage are poorly understood, oxidatively damaged deoxyguanosine bases preferentially bind thymine, causing G-T transversions and potentially causing heritable point mutations. This suggests that sulfide can be an environmental mutagen in sulfide-tolerant invertebrates.

Oxidation reactions of cytosine DNA components by hydroxyl radical and one-electron oxidants in aerated aqueous solutions

Indirect evidence strongly suggests that oxidation reactions of cytosine and its minor derivative 5-methylcytosine play a major role in mutagenesis and cancer. Therefore, there is an emerging necessity to identify the final oxidation products of these reactions, to search for their formation in cellular DNA, and to assess their mutagenic features. In this Account, we report and discuss the main *OH and one-electron-mediated oxidation reactions, two of the most potent sources of DNA damage, of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine nucleosides that have been recently characterized. The addition of *OH to the 5,6-unsaturated double bond of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine generates final degradation products that resemble those observed for uracil and thymine. The main product from the oxidation of cytosine, cytosine glycol, has been shown to undergo dehydration at a much faster rate as a free nucleoside than when inserted into double-stranded DNA. On the other hand, the predominant *OH addition at C5 of cytosine or 5-methylcytosine leads to the formation of 5-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro radicals that give rise to novel products with an imidazolidine structure. The mechanism of the formation of imidazolidine products is accounted for by rearrangement reactions that in the presence of molecular oxygen likely involve an intermediate pyrimidine endoperoxide. The reactions of the radical cations of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine are governed by competitive hydration, mainly at C6 of the pyrimidine ring, and deprotonation from the exocyclic amino and methyl group, leading in most cases to products similar to those generated by *OH. 5-Hydroxypyrimidines, the dehydration products of cytosine and uracil glycols, have a low oxidation potential, and their one-electron oxidation results in a cascade of decomposition reactions involving the formation of isodialuric acid, dialuric acid, 5-hydroxyhydantoin, and its hydroxyketone isomer. In biology, GC --> AT transitions are the most common mutations in the genome of aerobic organisms, including the lacI gene in bacteria, lacI transgenes in rodents, and the HPRT gene in rodents and humans, so a more complete understanding of cytosine oxidation is an essential research goal. The data and insights presented here shed new light on oxidation reactions of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine and should facilitate their validation in cellular DNA.

Is there more to aging than mitochondrial DNA and reactive oxygen species?

With the aging of the population, we are seeing a global increase in the prevalence of age-related disorders, especially in developed countries. Chronic diseases disproportionately affect the older segment of the population, contributing to disability, a diminished quality of life and an increase in healthcare costs. Increased life expectancy reflects the success of contemporary medicine, which must now respond to the challenges created by this achievement, including the growing burden of chronic illnesses, injuries and disabilities. A well-developed theoretical framework is required to understand the molecular basis of aging. Such a framework is a prerequisite for the development of clinical interventions that will constitute an efficient response to the challenge of age-related health issues. This review critically analyzes the experimental evidence that supports and refutes the Free Radical/Mitochondrial Theory of Aging, which has dominated the field of aging research for almost half a century.

Modulatory role of copper on β-naphthoflavone-induced DNA damage in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.)

Gill and kidney DNA integrity (alkaline unwinding assay) was assessed in Anguilla anguilla exposed for 24-h to copper (Cu: 1 or 2.5 μM), with or without 24-h pre-exposure to a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-like compound--β-naphthoflavone (BNF: 2.7 μM). Gill showed DNA integrity loss in all the exposure conditions, reflecting a dual mode of BNF-Cu interaction depending on the metal concentration. Thus, antagonistic or additive effects were observed for BNF+Cu 1 μM or BNF+Cu 2.5 μM, respectively. Kidney showed decreased DNA integrity for single exposures (BNF, Cu 1 μM), whereas sequential exposures displayed higher DNA integrity than BNF alone, revealing a Cu antagonistic effect at both the concentrations. The results also demonstrated that (i) both organs are receptive for Cu inhibitory role against BNF genotoxicity; (ii) kidney is more resistant to Cu individual exposures; and (iii) under multi-pollution conditions genotoxicity cannot be predicted on the basis of individual chemicals responses.

Alterations in manganese, copper, and zinc contents, and intracellular status of the metal-containing superoxide dismutase in human mesothelioma cells

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Molecular diagnostics and therapeutics of human mesothelioma using disease-related markers present major challenges in clinical practice. To identify biochemical alternations that would be markers of human mesothelioma, we measured the intracellular steady-state levels of biologically important trace metals such as manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in a human mesothelial cell line, MeT-5A, and in five human mesothelioma cell lines (MSTO-211H, NCI-H226, NCI-H2052, NCI-H2452, ACC-MESO-1) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We also aimed to investigate whether the alterations were related to the intracellular status of metal-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the contents of the trace metals among MeT-5A, MSTO-211H, and ACC-MESO-1 cells. However, each of the other three mesothelioma cell lines had a unique characteristic in terms of the intracellular amounts of the metals; NCI-H226 contained an extremely high level of Mn, an amount 7.3-fold higher than that in MeT-5A. NCI-H2052 had significantly higher amounts of Cu (3.4-fold) and Zn (1.3-fold) compared with MeT-5A. NCI-H2452 contained about 5.8-fold the amount of Cu and 2.5-fold that of Mn compared with MeT-5A. As for the intracellular levels of copper/zinc-SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD) and manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD), those of Cu/Zn-SOD were relatively unchanged among the cells tested, and no notable correlation with Cu or Zn contents was observed. On the other hand, all mesothelioma cells highly expressed Mn-SOD compared with MeT-5A, and a very high expression of the enzyme with a robust activity was observed in the two mesothelioma cells (NCI-H226, NCI-H2452) containing a large amount of Mn.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with MeT-5A human mesothelial cells, some human mesothelioma cells had significantly higher amounts of Mn or Cu and one mesothelioma cell had a significantly higher amount of Zn. Interestingly, all mesothelioma cells overexpressed Mn-SOD compared with MeT-5A, and the cells whose Mn-SOD activity was increased contained higher amounts of Mn. It seemed that intracellular Mn content was positively correlated with Mn-SOD, suggesting that the intracellular Mn level is associated with Mn-SOD activity. These biochemical signatures could be potential disease-related markers of mesothelioma.

Determination of copper(I) and copper(II) ions after complexation with bicinchoninic acid by CE

A facile, sensitive, and selective method was developed for the simultaneous separation and determination of copper(I) [Cu(+)] and copper(II) [Cu(2+)] ions using CE with direct UV detection. The copper ions were complexed with a 1.5 mM bicinchoninic acid disodium salt solution at pH 8.7 prior to analysis. Acetate buffer (2 mM) was used as the CE running buffer. Parameters affecting CE separation such as sample pH, applied voltage, concentration of complexing agent, nature of the buffer solution, and interferences by other metal ions, were evaluated. The LODs for Cu(+) and Cu(2+) were 3.0 and 2.5 microg/mL (S/N = 3), respectively. The developed method allows the simultaneous determination of Cu(+) and Cu(2+) in less than 5 min with RSDs of between 5.3 and 9.5% for migration time and between 3.4 and 9.7% for peak areas, respectively. At optimum conditions, the percentage recoveries of Cu(+) and Cu(2+) were found to be 99.4 and 99.5%.

Copper impairs biliary epithelial cells and induces protein oxidation and oxidative DNA damage in the isolated perfused rat liver

Copper is one of the major metals causing environmental contamination. Previous studies showed that copper induced toxic effects in isolated perfused rat liver models and these effects were associated with lipid peroxidation. Here we investigated whether effects of copper (at concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mM of Cu(2+) in Krebs-Henseleit buffer perfusing the isolated rat liver for 60 min), were associated with biliary epithelial cell injury, as well as protein oxidation and oxidative DNA damage. The highest concentration of copper in perfusate (0.1 mM) did not allow complete evaluation of all parameters because it blocked portal flow within 30 min of perfusion, indicating severe microcirculatory disturbances. Further, copper decreased secretion of bile and it increased lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase leakage into perfusate as well as liver weight in a dose-dependent manner. Biliary gamma-glutamyltransferase, an index of biliary epithelial cell integrity increased similarly at 0.01 and 0.03 mM copper concentrations in perfusate. Compared to controls, 0.01 and 0.03 mM concentrations of copper increased the amount of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, a marker of lipid peroxidation, tissue protein carbonyl groups, an index of protein oxidation, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage. The results suggest that toxic effects of copper in the isolated perfused rat liver may involve biliary epithelial cells and they are associated with lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and oxidative DNA damage.

Atomic force microscopy study of the interaction of DNA and nanostructured beta-Gallia rutile

The ability to attach DNA molecules to solid planar substrates is desired for imaging the molecule and for building DNA-mediated nanostructures. The deposition of DNA on [001] rutile and beta-gallia rutile (BGR) substrates from buffer solutions containing various divalent cations was studied using tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). beta-Gallia rutile intergrowths were prepared by spin-coating gallium isopropoxide onto [001]-oriented TiO2 single-crystal slabs and heating above 1350 degrees C for >24 h, resulting in the formation of intergrowth lines along the {210} planes in the parent rutile structure. Rutile and BGR intergrowth substrates were exposed to various buffered solutions containing DNA and the following divalent cations: Ca(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II). Among all the cations examined, only Ni(II) resulted in the attachment of DNA on the rutile surfaces. DNA attachment to BGR surfaces was strong enough to allow AFM imaging when the deposition buffer contained one of the following cations: Co(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II). For all of these cations, DNA attachment occurred preferentially, but not exclusively, along BGR intergrowth lines. When buffers without cation additions and those containing Ca(II), Cu(II), and Fe(II) were used, DNA failed to bind the BGR surfaces strongly enough to allow AFM imaging. The mechanism(s) by which DNA attaches to the BGR surface is (are) not well understood but may involve the incorporation of divalent cations at the tunnel sites of the BGR intergrowths.

Prevention of lethal hepatic injury in Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats by D-galactosamine hydrochloride

Repeated injections of D-galactosamine hydrochloride (GalN) increase the survival rate of Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats, an animal model of Wilson's disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of GalN for prevention of spontaneous lethal hepatic injury in LEC rats. Male LEC rats were given a single subcutaneous injection of 300 mg/kg of GalN or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) at 14 weeks, and killed at 28 weeks of age. Next, 6-week-old male LEC rats were given weekly subcutaneous injections of 300 mg/kg of GalN or vehicle for 3 or 12 weeks, and their hepatic 8-hydroxydeoxy-2'-guanosine (8-OHdG), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase activities were measured. None of GalN-treated rats died of hepatic injury (0/12), whereas the mortality rate of control rats given 0.9% NaCl was 17% (2/12). GalN administration for 12 weeks decreased the hepatic 8-OHdG, and GalN administration for either 3 or 12 weeks increased the glutathione peroxidase activity. GalN administration increased the serum level of alanine aminotransferase, and accelerated megalocytic degeneration of the hepatocytes. GalN treatment is effective in preventing lethal hepatitis in LEC rats and decrease of oxidative DNA damage by GalN plays an important role in increase of the survival rate.

Ab initio base-pairing energies of uracil and 5-hydroxyuracil with standard DNA bases at the BSSE-free DFT and MP2 theory levels

Oxidized cytosine product 5-hydroxyuracil has been shown to be the major chemical precursor for the GC to AT transition, the most frequent substitution mutation observed in aerobic organisms. We have calculated the interaction energy of base-pair formation involving uracil or 5-hydroxyuracil, which is formed in cells by oxidative deamination of cytosine, bound to any of the natural DNA bases, A, C, G, and T, and discuss the effects of the hydroxyl group in this respect. The base-pair geometries and energies were calculated using the 6-311G(dp) basis set under four conditions: using density functional theory (DFT) without out basis set super-position error (BSSE) correction, using DFT with BSSE correction of geometries and energies, using Møller-Plesset second order perturbation theory (MP2) without BSSE correction, and using MP2 with BSSE geometry and energy correction. We find that the hydroxyl group of 5-HO-U (relative to U) has little effect on the base-pairs with A, C or one conformation of T, while making a substantial energy difference in base-pairs involving G or a different conformation of T. For most of the complexes studied, the BSSE-corrected energies at the DFT and MP2 levels of theory agreed to within 0.5 kcal.

Organ-Specific Increase in Mutation Accumulation and Apoptosis Rate in CuZn-Superoxide Dismutase–Deficient Mice

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated as a cause of cancer and aging in mammals. Mice deficient for the antioxidant enzyme CuZn-superoxide dismutase (Sod1) have a decreased life span and an elevated incidence of liver cancer. To test the hypothesis that the cancer-prone phenotype in such mice is due to accelerated spontaneous mutation accumulation, we crossed these mutants with mice harboring a neutral lacZ mutation reporter gene. At 2 months of age, the lacZ mutation frequency in the liver of the hybrid animals was already twice as high as in littermate controls of the same age. This difference in mutation frequency increased to >3-fold at 6 months of age, after which it did not increase any further. Characterization of the mutation spectra in liver of the Sod1-null mice indicated mainly GC-to-TA transversions and GC-to-AT transitions, signature mutations of oxidative stress. The accelerated mutation accumulation in liver was accompanied by an increased frequency of apoptotic cells, as indicated by an increase in both terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling- and caspase 3-stained cells at 6 and 12 months of age. In kidney, an elevated mutation frequency above controls of approximately 2.5-fold was found not earlier than at 6 months. No increased mutation accumulation was observed in brain or spleen. These results support the hypothesis, that oxidative stress is an important causal factor of cancer in mammals.

Prooxidant activity of resveratrol in the presence of copper ions: mutagenicity in plasmid DNA

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound of plant origin, has been of much interest to researchers because of its anticancer and cardiovascular properties. Although antioxidant action of this compound is believed responsible for its reported properties, it has also been shown to exhibit prooxidant properties, especially in the presence of copper ions. Here we report the mutagenicity of resveratrol in plasmid DNA. Plasmid bluescript SK(+) DNA was treated with increasing concentrations of resveratrol in the presence and absence of copper ions, transformed into competent DH5alpha cells and sequenced. We looked for mutations caused by resveratrol treatment by comparing the sequences of treated plasmids versus control (untreated plasmid). The results show a decrease in the transformation efficiency of the plasmid after resveratrol treatment, and although all types of mutations were recorded, point mutations (deletions/substitutions) were found to be the predominant ones. Resveratrol alone resulted in deletion of mainly guanine bases. Since copper ions are known to be found in the nucleus, bound to guanine bases in chromatin, our results suggest mobilization of such endogenous copper by resveratrol resulting in prooxidant DNA cleavage at the site. Concentration of copper is reported to be elevated in various malignancies and the present studies might explain the reported anticancer activity of resveratrol in various cancer cell lines.

Oxidative mutagenesis, mismatch repair, and aging

A PubMed search for the term "oxidative stress" yields over 29,000 articles published on the subject over the past 10 years; more than 2000 of these articles also include the term "aging" in their title or abstract. Many theories of aging predict causal roles for oxidative stress in the myriad of pathological changes that occur as a function of age, including an increasing propensity to develop cancer. A possible link between aging and cancer is the induction and accumulation of somatic mutations caused by oxidative stress. This Review focuses on small mutational events that are induced by oxidative stress and the role of mismatch repair (MMR) in preventing their formation. It also discusses a possible inhibitory effect of oxidative stress on MMR. We speculate that a synergistic interaction between oxidative damage to DNA and reduced MMR levels will, in part, account for an accumulation of small mutational events, and hence cancer, with aging.