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Li Y, Zhang J, Wang W, Lu Y, Sun L, Zhang Y. Ecological Risk Assessment of Three Pesticide Additives in Soil and Application to the Remediation of Contaminated Soil. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1677-1689. [PMID: 38661489 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Pesticide additives (PAs) are auxiliary ingredients added to the pesticide manufacturing and use processes, constituting 1% to 99% of the pesticide and often composed of benzene and chlorinated hydrocarbons. We selected three typical PAs, toluene, chloroform, and trichloroethylene, to evaluate their retention function toxicity and ecological risk in soil. Soil immobilization techniques and aquatic model organisms were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the immobilized soil method to determine the ecological risk of chemicals. The 48-h median lethal concentrations of toluene, chloroform, and trichloroethylene alone in spiked soil on Daphnia magna were 10.5, 2.3, and 1.1 mg/L (medium, high, and high toxicity, respectively). The toxicity of the three-PA mixtures showed an antagonistic effect. The risk levels of toluene, chloroform, and trichloroethylene in the soil were evaluated as moderate to high, low to high, and high risk, respectively. The toxicity of two pesticide-contaminated sites in the Yangtze River Delta before and after remediation was successfully evaluated by immobilized soil technology. The toxicity of two soil sampling points was reduced from medium toxic to low toxic and no toxic, respectively, after remediation. The results of our study give a rationale for and prove the validity of the aquatic model organisms and soil immobilization techniques in assessing the soil retention functions toxicity of PAs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1677-1689. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongze Lu
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yimin Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing, China
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Teng Z, Jiang B, Wang J, Liu T, Aniagu S, Zhu Z, Chen T, Jiang Y. Regulation of Cx43 and its role in trichloroethylene-induced cardiac toxicity in H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 323:138249. [PMID: 36842555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138249] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a widespread environmental contaminant, has been linked to congenital heart defects. Abnormal regulation of Connexin 43 is closely associated with various cardiac diseases. However, it is yet to be established how Cx43 responds to environmental pollutants. Here, we aim to explore the role of Cx43 in TCE-induced cardiac toxicity using H9C2 cardiomyocytes. EdU incorporation assay and cell cycle analysis revealed that increased number of TCE-treated cells entered into the S stage, indicating that TCE exposure provoked cell proliferation. Additionally, compromised mitochondrial function was observed in TCE-treated cells, and inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) with Cyclosporin A or eliminating mitochondrial ROS by MitoQ alleviated the TCE-induced cardiac toxicity. Importantly, TCE exposure increased the protein expression levels of Cx43 and stimulated the recruitment of Cx43 to the mitochondria. TCE exposure disrupted canonical Wnt signal pathway, resulting in downregulation of antioxidant genes and β-catenin. The adverse effects of TCE on Wnt signal pathway activation, mitochondrial function and cell proliferation were efficiently counteracted by either Cx43 knockdown or pharmaceutical activator of Wnt signaling, CHIR-99021. Taken together, our results for the first time revealed that dysregulation of Cx43 mediates TCE-induced heart defects via mitochondrial dysfunction and Wnt signaling inhibition, suggesting that Cx43 can be a potential molecular marker or therapeutic target for cardiac diseases caused by environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongkun Teng
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Stanley Aniagu
- Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Research Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12015 Park 35 Cir, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ziyu Zhu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yan Jiang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Horzmann KA, Lin LF, Taslakjian B, Yuan C, Freeman JL. Anxiety-related behavior and associated brain transcriptome and epigenome alterations in adult female zebrafish exposed to atrazine during embryogenesis. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136431. [PMID: 36126741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine often contaminates drinking water sources, exceeding the maximum contaminant level established by the US Environmental Protection Agency at 3 parts per billion (ppb; μg/L). Atrazine is linked to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and cancer, with delayed health effects observed after developmental exposure in line with the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. To test the hypothesis that embryonic atrazine exposure induces delayed neurotoxicity in adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio), embryos were exposed to 0, 0.3, 3, or 30 ppb atrazine during embryogenesis (1-72 h post fertilization (hpf)) and raised to adults with no additional atrazine exposure. Behavioral outcomes were tested through a novel tank test, light-dark box, and open field test and indicated female zebrafish had more anxious phenotypes at 9 months post fertilization (mpf). Female brain transcriptomic analysis at 9 mpf found altered gene expression pathways related to organismal injury and cancer with beta-estradiol and estrogen receptor as top upstream regulators. These results were compared to 9 mpf male and 6 mpf female groups with the same atrazine embryonic exposures and showed differences in specific genes that were altered, but similarities in top molecular pathways. Molecular pathways associated with behavior were observed only in the 6 mpf transcriptomic profiles, suggesting prediction of observed behavioral outcomes at 9 mpf. The expression of genes associated with serotonin neurotransmission was also evaluated at 14 mpf to determine persistence; however, no significant changes were observed. Brain global methylation in 12 mpf zebrafish observed an increased percent 5 mC in females with embryonic 0.3 ppb atrazine exposure. Finally, the body length, body weight, and brain weight were determined at 14 mpf and were altered in all treatment groups. These results indicate that embryonic atrazine exposure does cause delayed neurotoxicity within the DOHaD framework, which is significant given atrazine's presence and persistence in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Horzmann
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Li F Lin
- School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Boghos Taslakjian
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Chongli Yuan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Liu Z, Wang M, Yu P, Li X, Lin Y, Duan Y, Tian Y, Zhu J, Deng Y, Li N. Maternal trichloroethylene exposure and metabolic gene polymorphisms may interact during fetal cardiovascular malformation. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 106:1-8. [PMID: 34555461 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.09.010] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the potential association between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and congenital heart disease (CHD) and to explore the effect of metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms on heart development. A multicenter case-control study was conducted. The trichloroethylene concentrations were measured by UPLC-MSMS in urine. Fourteen SNPs in the GSTA1, GSTP1, MPO, NAT1, NAT2, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and EPHX1 genes were genotyped using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. A total of 283 cases and 331 controls with maternal urine and/or venous blood were included in the present study. The median NAcDCVC was 7.65 ng/mL in the case group and 7.43 ng/mL in the control group. There was no significant difference in the NAcDCVC concentration between the CHD subtypes and controls (P > 0.05). The GA/AA of GSTA1 rs3957357 could increase the risk of CHDs under the dominant model (aOR = 2.26, 95 % CI: 1.31, 3.90), but other SNPs were not associated with CHDs (P > 0.05). GA or AA genotypes of GSTA1 rs3957357 with lower levels of TCE exposure were 3.53 times at risk relative to mothers carrying the wild type genotype. In conclusion, maternal exposure to trichloroethylene alone is not associated with the occurrence of fetal CHD and CHD subtypes. Maternal GSTA1 rs3957357 may increase the risk of CHD in offspring. TCE exposure and metabolic gene polymorphisms probably interact with each other to induce fetal cardiovascular malformation, but larger sample size studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Department of Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meixian Wang
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Department of Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Department of Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fujian Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yinghong Duan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Huize Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Liupanshui, Liupanshui, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Department of Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Deng
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Department of Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Nana Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Miller CJ, Runge-Morris M, Cassidy-Bushrow AE, Straughen JK, Dittrich TM, Baker TR, Petriello MC, Mor G, Ruden DM, O’Leary BF, Teimoori S, Tummala CM, Heldman S, Agarwal M, Roth K, Yang Z, Baker BB. A Review of Volatile Organic Compound Contamination in Post-Industrial Urban Centers: Reproductive Health Implications Using a Detroit Lens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8755. [PMID: 33255777 PMCID: PMC7728359 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of aromatic or chlorinated organic chemicals commonly found in manufactured products that have high vapor pressure, and thus vaporize readily at room temperature. While airshed VOCs are well studied and have provided insights into public health issues, we suggest that belowground VOCs and the related vapor intrusion process could be equally or even more relevant to public health. The persistence, movement, remediation, and human health implications of subsurface VOCs in urban landscapes remain relatively understudied despite evidence of widespread contamination. This review explores the state of the science of subsurface movement and remediation of VOCs through groundwater and soils, the linkages between these poorly understood contaminant exposure pathways and health outcomes based on research in various animal models, and describes the role of these contaminants in human health, focusing on birth outcomes, notably low birth weight and preterm birth. Finally, this review provides recommendations for future research to address knowledge gaps that are essential for not only tackling health disparities and environmental injustice in post-industrial cities, but also protecting and preserving critical freshwater resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol J. Miller
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering—College of Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.T.); (C.M.T.)
| | - Melissa Runge-Morris
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Straughen
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Timothy M. Dittrich
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering—College of Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.T.); (C.M.T.)
| | - Tracie R. Baker
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology—School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Michael C. Petriello
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology—School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Gil Mor
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology—School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Brendan F. O’Leary
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering—College of Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.T.); (C.M.T.)
| | - Sadaf Teimoori
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering—College of Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.T.); (C.M.T.)
| | - Chandra M. Tummala
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering—College of Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (S.T.); (C.M.T.)
| | - Samantha Heldman
- Department of Pharmacology—School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Manisha Agarwal
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Bridget B. Baker
- Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR)—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.J.M.); (M.R.-M.); (A.E.C.-B.); (J.K.S.); (T.M.D.); (T.R.B.); (M.C.P.); (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (B.F.O.)
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.A.); (K.R.); (Z.Y.)
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Embryonic atrazine exposure and later in life behavioral and brain transcriptomic, epigenetic, and pathological alterations in adult male zebrafish. Cell Biol Toxicol 2020; 37:421-439. [PMID: 32737625 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-020-09548-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ), a commonly used pesticide linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, and altered neurochemistry, frequently contaminates water sources at levels above the US Environmental Protection Agency's 3 parts per billion (ppb; μg/L) maximum contaminant level. Adult male zebrafish behavior, brain transcriptome, brain methylation status, and neuropathology were examined to test the hypothesis that embryonic ATZ exposure causes delayed neurotoxicity, according to the developmental origins of health and disease paradigm. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to 0 ppb, 0.3 ppb, 3 ppb, or 30 ppb ATZ during embryogenesis (1-72 h post fertilization (hpf)), then rinsed and raised to maturity. At 9 months post fertilization (mpf), males had decreased locomotor parameters during a battery of behavioral tests. Transcriptomic analysis identified altered gene expression in organismal development, cancer, and nervous and reproductive system development and function pathways and networks. The brain was evaluated histopathologically for morphometric differences, and decreased numbers of cells were identified in raphe populations. Global methylation levels were evaluated at 12 mpf, and the body length, body weight, and brain weight were measured at 14 mpf to evaluate effects of ATZ on mature brain size. No significant difference in genome methylation or brain size was observed. The results demonstrate that developmental exposure to ATZ does affect neurodevelopment and neural function in adult male zebrafish and raises concern for possible health effects in humans due to ATZ's environmental presence and persistence. Graphical abstract.
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Li R, Zupanic A, Talikka M, Belcastro V, Madan S, Dörpinghaus J, Berg CV, Szostak J, Martin F, Peitsch MC, Hoeng J. Systems Toxicology Approach for Testing Chemical Cardiotoxicity in Larval Zebrafish. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:2550-2564. [PMID: 32638588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomic approaches can give insight into molecular mechanisms underlying chemical toxicity and are increasingly being used as part of toxicological assessments. To aid the interpretation of transcriptomic data, we have developed a systems toxicology method that relies on a computable biological network model. We created the first network model describing cardiotoxicity in zebrafish larvae-a valuable emerging model species in testing cardiotoxicity associated with drugs and chemicals. The network is based on scientific literature and represents hierarchical molecular pathways that lead from receptor activation to cardiac pathologies. To test the ability of our approach to detect cardiotoxic outcomes from transcriptomic data, we have selected three publicly available data sets that reported chemically induced heart pathologies in zebrafish larvae for five different chemicals. Network-based analysis detected cardiac perturbations for four out of five chemicals tested, for two of them using transcriptomic data collected up to 3 days before the onset of a visible phenotype. Additionally, we identified distinct molecular pathways that were activated by the different chemicals. The results demonstrate that the proposed integrational method can be used for evaluating the effects of chemicals on the zebrafish cardiac function and, together with observed cardiac apical end points, can provide a comprehensive method for connecting molecular events to organ toxicity. The computable network model is freely available and may be used to generate mechanistic hypotheses and quantifiable perturbation values from any zebrafish transcriptomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Li
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.,PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anze Zupanic
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Marja Talikka
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Belcastro
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Sumit Madan
- Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing, Schloss Birlinghoven, Sankt Augustin 53754, Germany
| | - Jens Dörpinghaus
- Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing, Schloss Birlinghoven, Sankt Augustin 53754, Germany
| | - Colette Vom Berg
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Justyna Szostak
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Martin
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel C Peitsch
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Hoeng
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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8
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Huang Y, Jiang B, Xia Y, Wang J, Ji C, Tong J, Chen T, Jiang Y. Downregulation of miR-133a contributes to the cardiac developmental toxicity of trichloroethylene in zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 251:126610. [PMID: 32443250 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a widely used organic solvent, is a common environmental pollutant. Increasing evidence indicates that maternal TCE exposure is associated with congenital cardiac defects, but the underlining mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we revealed that TCE exposure significantly induced heart defects and dysfunctions in zebrafish embryos. Heart tissues were dissected and subjected to high throughput sequencing and qPCR to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. The effects of miRNA were further verified by microinjection of antagomir or agomir. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and cell proliferation were measured by using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and EdU staining, respectively. Our results showed that 19 miRNAs were downregulated whereas 48 miRNAs were upregulated in the heart of zebrafish embryos. The downregulation of miR-133a and the upregulation of miR-182 were further validated. Moreover, we found that miR-133a agomir significantly alleviated the TCE-induced heart defects while miR-133a antagomir mimicked the toxic effect of TCE on heart development. Furthermore, miR-133a agomir significantly counteracted TCE-induced ROS production and excessive cell proliferation in the heart of zebrafish embryos. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-133a mediates TCE-induced ROS generation, leading to excessive cell proliferation and heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Huang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Tong
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yan Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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9
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Jin H, Ji C, Ren F, Aniagu S, Tong J, Jiang Y, Chen T. AHR-mediated oxidative stress contributes to the cardiac developmental toxicity of trichloroethylene in zebrafish embryos. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 385:121521. [PMID: 31699484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a widely used chlorinated solvent, is a common environmental pollutant. Current evidence shows that TCE could induce heart defects during embryonic development, but the underlining mechanism(s) remain unclear. Since activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) could induce oxidative stress, we hypothesized that AHR-mediated oxidative stress may play a role in the cardiac developmental toxicity of TCE. In this study, we found that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and AHR inhibitors, CH223191 (CH) and StemRegenin 1, significantly counteracted the TCE-induced heart malformations in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, both CH and NAC suppressed TCE-induced ROS and 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine). TCE did not affect ahr2 and cyp1a expression, but increased cyp1b1 expression, which was restored by CH supplementation. CH also attenuated the TCE-induced mRNA expression changes of Nrf2 signalling genes (nrf2b, gstp2, sod2, ho1, nqo1) and cardiac differentiation genes (gata4, hand2, c-fos, sox9b). In addition, the TCE enhanced SOD activity was attenuated by CH. Morpholino knockdown confirmed that AHR mediated the TCE-induced ROS and 8-OHdG generation in the heart of zebrafish embryos. In conclusion, our results suggest that AHR mediates TCE-induced oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage and heart malformations in zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Jin
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Fei Ren
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Stanley Aniagu
- Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Research Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12015 Park 35 Cir, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jian Tong
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, PR China.
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10
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Urban JD, Wikoff DS, Chappell GA, Harris C, Haws LC. Systematic evaluation of mechanistic data in assessing in utero exposures to trichloroethylene and development of congenital heart defects. Toxicology 2020; 436:152427. [PMID: 32145346 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that in utero exposures to low levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) may increase the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring remains a subject of substantial controversy within the scientific community due primarily to the reliance on an inconsistent and unreproducible experimental study in rats. To build on previous assessments that have primarily focused on epidemiological and experimental animal studies in developing conclusions, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic evaluation of mechanistic data related to in utero exposures to TCE and the development of CHDs. The evidence base was heterogeneous; 79 mechanistic datasets were identified, characterizing endpoints which ranged from molecular to organismal responses in seven species, involving both in vivo and in vitro study designs in mammalian and non-mammalian models. Of these, 24 datasets were considered reliable following critical appraisal using a study quality tool that employs metrics specific to the study type. Subsequent synthesis and integration demonstrated that the available mechanistic data: 1) did not support the potential for CHD hazard in humans, 2) did not support the biological plausibility of a response in humans based on organization via a putative adverse outcome pathway for valvulo-septal cardiac defects, and 3) were not suitable for serving as candidate studies in risk assessment. Findings supportive of an association were generally limited to in ovo chicken studies, in which TCE was administered in high concentration solutions via direct injection. Results of these in ovo studies were difficult to interpret for human health risk assessment given the lack of generalizability of the study models (including dose relevance, species-specific biological differences, variations in the construct of the study design, etc.). When the mechanistic data are integrated with findings from previous evaluations of human and animal evidence streams, the totality of evidence does not support CHDs as a critical effect in TCE human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Urban
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 9390 Research Blvd, Ste. 100, Austin, TX, 78759, USA.
| | - Daniele S Wikoff
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 31 College Place, Ste. B118, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
| | - Grace A Chappell
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 31 College Place, Ste. B118, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
| | - Craig Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Laurie C Haws
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 9390 Research Blvd, Ste. 100, Austin, TX, 78759, USA
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11
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Horzmann KA, Portales AM, Batcho KG, Freeman JL. Developmental toxicity of trichloroethylene in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:728-739. [PMID: 31989135 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00565j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE), an industrial solvent and degreaser, is an environmental toxicant that contaminates over half of Superfund sites, is a known carcinogen, and is linked to congenital defects and neurodegenerative disease. The developmental toxicity of TCE near ecologically relevant levels needs further characterization in order to better assess health risks of exposure. In this study, the toxicodynamics of TCE in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model was investigated through the establishment of a LC50 concentration and by monitoring the acute developmental toxicity of ecologically relevant concentrations (0, 5, 50, and 500 parts per billion; ppb) of TCE during two different exposure lengths (1-72 hours post fertilization (hpf) and 1-120 hpf). Acute developmental toxicity was assessed by monitoring survival and hatching, larval morphology, larval heart rate, and behavioral responses during an embryonic photomotor response test and a larval visual motor response test. Embryonic exposure to TCE was associated with decreased percent hatch at 48 hpf, altered larval morphology, increased heart rate, and altered behavioral responses during the photomotor response test and visual motor response test. Larval morphology and behavioral alterations were more pronounced in the 1-120 hpf exposure length trials. The observed alterations suggest developmental TCE toxicity is still a concern at regulatory concentrations and that timing of exposure influences developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Horzmann
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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12
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Chen S, Lencinas A, Nunez M, Selmin OI, Runyan RB. HNF4a transcription is a target of trichloroethylene toxicity in the embryonic mouse heart. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:824-832. [PMID: 32159184 PMCID: PMC7250168 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00597h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In exploration of congenital heart defects produced by TCE, Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 alpha (HNF4a) transcriptional activity was identified as a central component. TCE exposure altered gene transcription in the chick heart in a non-monotonic pattern where only low dose exposure inhibited transcription by HNF4a. As the chick embryo is non-placental, we examine here HNF4a as a target of TCE in developing mouse embryos. Benfluorex and Bi6015, published agonist and antagonist, respectively, of HNF4a were compared to low dose TCE exposure. Pregnant mice were exposed to 10 ppb (76 nM) TCE, 5 μM Benfluorex, 5 μM Bi6015, or a combination of Bi6015 and TCE in drinking water. Litters (E12) were collected during a sensitive window in heart development. Embryonic hearts were collected, pooled for extraction of RNA and marker expression was examined by quantitative PCR. Multiple markers, previously identified as sensitive to TCE exposure in chicks or as published targets of HNF4a transcription were significantly affected by Benfluorex, Bi6015 and TCE. Activity of TCE and both HNF4a-specific reagents on transcription argues that HNF4a is a component of TCE cardiotoxicity and likely a proximal target of low dose exposure during development. The effectiveness of these reagents after delivery in maternal drinking water suggests that neither maternal metabolism, nor placental transport is protective of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85724-5044, USA.
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13
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Runyan RB, Selmin OI, Smith SM, Freeman JL. Letter to the Editor. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1234-1236. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ornella I. Selmin
- Nutrition and Arizona Cancer CenterUniversity of Arizona Tucson Arizona
| | - Susan M. Smith
- Nutrition Research InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kannapolis North Carolina
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14
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Li H, Zhao F, Cao F, Teng M, Yang Y, Qiu L. Mitochondrial dysfunction-based cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by pyraclostrobin in zebrafish larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:203-211. [PMID: 31078959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pyraclostrobin is widely used to control crop diseases, and was reported to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms. The molecular target of pyraclostrobin to fungus is the mitochondrion, but its effect on mitochondria of aquatic organisms has rarely been investigated. In this study, zebrafish larvae at 4 days post fertilization (dpf) were exposed to a range of pyraclostrobin for 96 h to assess its acute toxicity and effects on mitochondria. Pyraclostrobin at 36 μg/L or higher concentrations caused significant influences on larval heart and brain including pericardial edema, brain damage malformations, histological and mitochondrial structural damage of the two organs. The results of RNA-Seq revealed that the transcripts of genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, cardiac muscle contraction, mitochondrion, nervous system development and glutamate receptor activity were significantly influenced by 36 μg/L pyraclostrobin. Further tests showed that pyraclostrobin at 18 and 36 μg/L reduced the concentrations of proteins related to cardiac muscle contraction, impaired cardiac function, inhibited glutamate receptors activities and suppressed locomotor behavior of zebrafish larvae. Negative changes in mitochondrial complex activities, as well as reduced ATP content were also observed in larvae treated with 18 and 36 μg/L pyraclostrobin. These results suggested that pyraclostrobin exposure caused cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae and mitochondrial dysfunction might be the underlying mechanism of pyraclostrobin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fangjie Cao
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lihong Qiu
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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15
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Damayanti NP, Buno K, Voytik Harbin SL, Irudayaraj JMK. Epigenetic Process Monitoring in Live Cultures with Peptide Biosensors. ACS Sens 2019; 4:562-565. [PMID: 30714727 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acetyltransferase is a member of the transferase group responsible for transferring an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to amino group of a histone lysine residue. Past efforts on histone acetylation monitoring involved biochemical analysis that do not provide spatiotemporal information in a dynamic format. We propose a novel approach to monitor acetyltransferase acetylation in live single cells using time correlated single photon counting fluorescence lifetime imaging (TCSPC-FLIM) with peptide biosensors. Utilizing 2D and 3D cultures we show that the peptide sensor has a specific response to acetyltransferase enzyme activity in a fluorescence lifetime dependent manner ( P < 0.001). Our FLIM biosensor concept enables real-time longitudinal measurement of acetylation activity with high spatial and temporal resolution in live single cells to monitor cell function or evaluate drug effects to treat cancer or neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur P. Damayanti
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Kevin Buno
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Collage of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Sherry L. Voytik Harbin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Collage of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Joseph M. K. Irudayaraj
- Department of
Bioengineering, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, Biomedical Research Center, Carle Foundation
Hospital, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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16
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Berger M, Karod M, Goldfarb JL. Invasive species or sustainable water filters? A student-led laboratory investigation into locally sourced biomass-based adsorbents for sustainable water treatment. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2018-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Designing sustainable products requires a holistic consideration of issues at the Food-Energy-Water Nexus. One of the world’s greatest challenges is to insure clean water access for all inhabitants. Across the globe, communities often suffer from metal contamination in their water. We must develop low-cost, sustainable materials to treat this contamination, without putting undue stress on other systems. Biomass-based carbon adsorbents are often touted as one potential solution, but to be sustainable the biomass must be locally sourced, not grown on land that could be used to cultivate food, not require extensive water to grow, and not need undue amounts of energy to process. In this laboratory investigation, students were challenged to use a locally available, problematic biomass – phragmites, an invasive species in the Muddy River in Boston, Massachusetts – to develop a green adsorbent to remove metals from water. Specifically, students focused on the removal of manganese, as it is a local problem for several Massachusetts communities. Students activated the phragmites biomass using a room and low (40 °C) temperature KOH treatment, which opened the porous network of the reed to enable adsorption of Mn+2 upwards of 8 mg/g of biomass. In doing this experiment, students were exposed to the concept of adsorption, a separation process not often covered in the traditional chemistry curriculum. Students gained experience in performing adsorption isotherm experiments using atomic adsorption spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectrophotometry and learned to analyze data within adsorption isotherm models. Finally, students made connections between their laboratory data and adsorption theory, and how this data can be used to design greener materials to address environmental issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Berger
- Chemistry Department , Simmons College , 300 The Fenway , Boston , MA 02115 , USA
| | - Madeline Karod
- Chemistry Department , Simmons College , 300 The Fenway , Boston , MA 02115 , USA
| | - Jillian L. Goldfarb
- Cornell University , Biological and Environmental Engineering , 14850 Ithaca , United States of America
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