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Zhao J, Zhang M, Wang Y, He F, Zhang Q. Identification of cuproptosis-related genes in septic shock based on bioinformatic analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0315219. [PMID: 39652607 PMCID: PMC11627398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by a failure of organ systems and a high mortality rate. Cuproptosis is a new form of cell death that is triggered by copper overload. However, the relationship between cuproptosis-related genes and septic shock remains unclear. METHODS The GSE26440 dataset from the GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and septic shock samples. Additionally, hub genes related to the progression of septic shock and cuproptosis were screened by Venn analysis. RT-qPCR was utilized to validate the expression of hub genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes from septic shock patients and healthy controls. Next, functional analysis and immune cells infiltration were performed. RESULTS SLC31A1 and MTF1 levels were obviously elevated and LIAS and LIPT1 levels were downregulated in septic shock samples, compared to normal controls. The diagnostic values of the four genes were confirmed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Additionally, SLC31A1 and MTF1 showed a positive correlation with natural killer cells and LIAS and LIPT1 exhibited a positive correlation with CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, compared to low-level groups, MAPK signaling was activated in the high-SLC31A1 level group, VEGF signaling was activated in the high-MTF1 level group and lipoic acid metabolism was activated in high-LIAS and high-LIPT1 level groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that SLC31A1, MTF1, LIAS, and LIPT1 are dysregulated in septic shock samples, and these genes exhibit potential diagnostic efficacy in septic shock, suggesting that these genes may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintong Zhao
- Department of Critical Medicine, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Critical Medicine, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Nosocomial Infection, Qingdao Cancer Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Feifei He
- Department of Critical Medicine, Qingdao Hiser Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Critical Medicine, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
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2
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Tan W, Zhang J, Chen L, Wang Y, Chen R, Zhang H, Liang F. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis-related genes: Therapeutic perspectives in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:4830-4845. [PMID: 39233500 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Recently, the discovery of cuproptosis, a newly identified mode of cell death, further highlighted the importance of copper in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that liver copper metabolism is closely related to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. However, the relationship between NAFLD and copper metabolism, especially cuproptosis, remains unclear. In this review, we aim to summarize the current understanding of copper metabolism and its dysregulation, particularly the role of copper metabolism dysregulation in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. More importantly, this review emphasizes potential gene-targeted therapeutic strategies, challenges and the future of cuproptosis-related genes in the treatment of NAFLD. This review aims to provide innovative therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjing Tan
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Junli Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Yayuan Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengxia Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine(Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, China
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3
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Lou QM, Lai FF, Li JW, Mao KJ, Wan HT, He Y. Mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relevance to distinct diseases. Apoptosis 2024; 29:981-1006. [PMID: 38824478 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01983-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Copper is a trace element required by the organism, but once the level of copper exceeds the threshold, it becomes toxic and even causes death. The underlying mechanisms of copper-induced death are inconclusive, with different studies showing different opinions on the mechanism of copper-induced death. Multiple investigations have shown that copper induces oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, nucleolar stress, and proteasome inhibition, all of which can result in cell death. The latest research elucidates a copper-dependent death and denominates it as cuproptosis. Cuproptosis takes place through the combination of copper and lipoylated proteins of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, triggering agglomeration of lipoylated proteins and loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, leading to proteotoxic stress and ultimately death. Given the toxicity and necessity of copper, abnormal levels of copper lead to diseases such as neurological diseases and cancer. The development of cancer has a high demand for copper, neurological diseases involve the change of copper contents and the binding of copper to proteins. There is a close relationship between these two kinds of diseases and copper. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of copper-related death, and the association between copper and diseases, to better figure out the influence of copper in cell death and diseases, thus advancing the clinical remedy of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Mei Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Fei-Fan Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jing-Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Kun-Jun Mao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hai-Tong Wan
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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4
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Lobato AG, Ortiz-Vega N, Zhu Y, Neupane D, Meier KK, Zhai RG. Copper enhances aggregational toxicity of mutant huntingtin in a Drosophila model of Huntington's Disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166928. [PMID: 38660915 PMCID: PMC11046041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical presentations of moderate to severe cognitive, motor, and psychiatric disturbances. HD is caused by the trinucleotide repeat expansion of CAG of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The mutant HTT protein containing pathological polyglutamine (polyQ) extension is prone to misfolding and aggregation in the brain. It has previously been observed that copper and iron concentrations are increased in the striata of post-mortem human HD brains. Although it has been shown that the accumulation of mutant HTT protein can interact with copper, the underlying HD progressive phenotypes due to copper overload remains elusive. Here, in a Drosophila model of HD, we showed that copper induces dose-dependent aggregational toxicity and enhancement of Htt-induced neurodegeneration. Specifically, we found that copper increases mutant Htt aggregation, enhances the accumulation of Thioflavin S positive β-amyloid structures within Htt aggregates, and consequently alters autophagy in the brain. Administration of copper chelator D-penicillamine (DPA) through feeding significantly decreases β-amyloid aggregates in the HD pathological model. These findings reveal a direct role of copper in potentiating mutant Htt protein-induced aggregational toxicity, and further indicate the potential impact of environmental copper exposure in the disease onset and progression of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Lobato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Human Genetics and Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Natalie Ortiz-Vega
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deepa Neupane
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Katlyn K Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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5
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Fodor I, Yañez-Guerra LA, Kiss B, Büki G, Pirger Z. Copper-transporting ATPases throughout the animal evolution - From clinics to basal neuron-less animals. Gene 2023; 885:147720. [PMID: 37597707 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Copper-transporting ATPases are a group of heavy metal-transporting proteins and which can be found in all living organisms. In animals, they are generally referred to as ATP7 proteins and are involved in many different physiological processes including the maintaining of copper homeostasis and the supply of copper to cuproenzymes. A single ATP7 gene is present in non-chordate animals while it is divided into ATP7A and ATP7B in chordates. In humans, dysfunction of ATP7 proteins can lead to severe genetic disorders, such as, Menkes disease and Wilson's disease, which are characterized by abnormal copper transport and accumulation, causing significant health complications. Therefore, there is a substantial amount of research on ATP7 genes and ATP7 proteins in humans and mice to understand pathophysiological conditions and find potential therapeutic interventions. Copper-transporting ATPases have also been investigated in some non-mammalian vertebrates, protostomes, single-cellular eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and archaea to gain useful evolutionary insights. However, ATP7 function in many animals has been somewhat neglected, particularly in non-bilaterians. Previous reviews on this topic only broadly summarized the available information on the function and evolution of ATP7 genes and ATP7 proteins and included only the classic vertebrate and invertebrate models. Given this, and the fact that a considerable amount of new information on this topic has been published in recent years, the present study was undertaken to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive summary of ATP7s/ATP7s and give new insights into their evolutionary relationships. Additionally, this work provides a framework for studying these genes and proteins in non-bilaterians. As early branching animals, they are important to understand the evolution of function of these proteins and their important role in copper homeostasis and neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicological Research Group, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, H-8237 Tihany, Hungary.
| | | | - Bence Kiss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Büki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- Ecophysiological and Environmental Toxicological Research Group, Balaton Limnological Research Institute, H-8237 Tihany, Hungary
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6
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Khan S, Lang M. A Comprehensive Review on the Roles of Metals Mediating Insect-Microbial Pathogen Interactions. Metabolites 2023; 13:839. [PMID: 37512546 PMCID: PMC10384549 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects and microbial pathogens are ubiquitous and play significant roles in various biological processes, while microbial pathogens are microscopic organisms that can cause diseases in multiple hosts. Insects and microbial pathogens engage in diverse interactions, leveraging each other's presence. Metals are crucial in shaping these interactions between insects and microbial pathogens. However, metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, and Ni are integral to various physiological processes in insects, including immune function and resistance against pathogens. Insects have evolved multiple mechanisms to take up, transport, and regulate metal concentrations to fight against pathogenic microbes and act as a vector to transport microbial pathogens to plants and cause various plant diseases. Hence, it is paramount to inhibit insect-microbe interaction to control pathogen transfer from one plant to another or carry pathogens from other sources. This review aims to succinate the role of metals in the interactions between insects and microbial pathogens. It summarizes the significance of metals in the physiology, immune response, and competition for metals between insects, microbial pathogens, and plants. The scope of this review covers these imperative metals and their acquisition, storage, and regulation mechanisms in insect and microbial pathogens. The paper will discuss various scientific studies and sources, including molecular and biochemical studies and genetic and genomic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhanullah Khan
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Minglin Lang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding 071000, China
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7
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Green L, Coronado-Zamora M, Radío S, Rech GE, Salces-Ortiz J, González J. The genomic basis of copper tolerance in Drosophila is shaped by a complex interplay of regulatory and environmental factors. BMC Biol 2022; 20:275. [PMID: 36482348 PMCID: PMC9733279 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01479-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escalation in industrialization and anthropogenic activity have resulted in an increase of pollutants released into the environment. Of these pollutants, heavy metals such as copper are particularly concerning due to their bio-accumulative nature. Due to its highly heterogeneous distribution and its dual nature as an essential micronutrient and toxic element, the genetic basis of copper tolerance is likely shaped by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. RESULTS In this study, we utilized the natural variation present in multiple populations of Drosophila melanogaster collected across Europe to screen for variation in copper tolerance. We found that latitude and the degree of urbanization at the collection sites, rather than any other combination of environmental factors, were linked to copper tolerance. While previously identified copper-related genes were not differentially expressed in tolerant vs. sensitive strains, genes involved in metabolism, reproduction, and protease induction contributed to the differential stress response. Additionally, the greatest transcriptomic and physiological responses to copper toxicity were seen in the midgut, where we found that preservation of gut acidity is strongly linked to greater tolerance. Finally, we identified transposable element insertions likely to play a role in copper stress response. CONCLUSIONS Overall, by combining genome-wide approaches with environmental association analysis, and functional analysis of candidate genes, our study provides a unique perspective on the genetic and environmental factors that shape copper tolerance in natural D. melanogaster populations and identifies new genes, transposable elements, and physiological traits involved in this complex phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn Green
- grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Coronado-Zamora
- grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Radío
- grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriel E. Rech
- grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Salces-Ortiz
- grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa González
- grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Xiao S, Baik LS, Shang X, Carlson JR. Meeting a threat of the Anthropocene: Taste avoidance of metal ions by Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204238119. [PMID: 35700364 PMCID: PMC9231609 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204238119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Anthropocene Epoch poses a critical challenge for organisms: they must cope with new threats at a rapid rate. These threats include toxic chemical compounds released into the environment by human activities. Here, we examine elevated concentrations of heavy metal ions as an example of anthropogenic stressors. We find that the fruit fly Drosophila avoids nine metal ions when present at elevated concentrations that the flies experienced rarely, if ever, until the Anthropocene. We characterize the avoidance of feeding and egg laying on metal ions, and we identify receptors, neurons, and taste organs that contribute to this avoidance. Different subsets of taste receptors, including members of both Ir (Ionotropic receptor) and Gr (Gustatory receptor) families contribute to the avoidance of different metal ions. We find that metal ions activate certain bitter-sensing neurons and inhibit sugar-sensing neurons. Some behavioral responses are mediated largely through neurons of the pharynx. Feeding avoidance remains stable over 10 generations of exposure to copper and zinc ions. Some responses to metal ions are conserved across diverse dipteran species, including the mosquito Aedes albopictus. Our results suggest mechanisms that may be essential to insects as they face challenges from environmental changes in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuke Xiao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Lisa S. Baik
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Xueying Shang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - John R. Carlson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
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9
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Drosophila melanogaster as a Model Organism to Study Lithium and Boron Bioactivity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111710. [PMID: 34769143 PMCID: PMC8584156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has become a valuable model organism in nutritional science, which can be applied to elucidate the physiology and the biological function of nutrients, including trace elements. Importantly, the application of chemically defined diets enables the supply of trace elements for nutritional studies under highly standardized dietary conditions. Thus, the bioavailability and bioactivity of trace elements can be systematically monitored in D. melanogaster. Numerous studies have already revealed that central aspects of trace element homeostasis are evolutionary conserved among the fruit fly and mammalian species. While there is sufficient evidence of vital functions of boron (B) in plants, there is also evidence regarding its bioactivity in animals and humans. Lithium (Li) is well known for its role in the therapy of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, recent findings suggest beneficial effects of Li regarding neuroprotection as well as healthy ageing and longevity in D. melanogaster. However, no specific essential function in the animal kingdom has been found for either of the two elements so far. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of Li and B bioactivity in D. melanogaster in the context of health and disease prevention.
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Slobodian MR, Petahtegoose JD, Wallis AL, Levesque DC, Merritt TJS. The Effects of Essential and Non-Essential Metal Toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster Insect Model: A Review. TOXICS 2021; 9:269. [PMID: 34678965 PMCID: PMC8540122 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9100269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The biological effects of environmental metal contamination are important issues in an industrialized, resource-dependent world. Different metals have different roles in biology and can be classified as essential if they are required by a living organism (e.g., as cofactors), or as non-essential metals if they are not. While essential metal ions have been well studied in many eukaryotic species, less is known about the effects of non-essential metals, even though essential and non-essential metals are often chemically similar and can bind to the same biological ligands. Insects are often exposed to a variety of contaminated environments and associated essential and non-essential metal toxicity, but many questions regarding their response to toxicity remain unanswered. Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent insect model species in which to study the effects of toxic metal due to the extensive experimental and genetic resources available for this species. Here, we review the current understanding of the impact of a suite of essential and non-essential metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Ni) on the D. melanogaster metal response system, highlighting the knowledge gaps between essential and non-essential metals in D. melanogaster. This review emphasizes the need to use multiple metals, multiple genetic backgrounds, and both sexes in future studies to help guide future research towards better understanding the effects of metal contamination in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Thomas J. S. Merritt
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (M.R.S.); (J.D.P.); (A.L.W.); (D.C.L.)
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11
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Tibbett M, Green I, Rate A, De Oliveira VH, Whitaker J. The transfer of trace metals in the soil-plant-arthropod system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146260. [PMID: 33744587 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Essential and non-essential trace metals are capable of causing toxicity to organisms above a threshold concentration. Extensive research has assessed the behaviour of trace metals in biological and ecological systems, but has typically focused on single organisms within a trophic level and not on multi-trophic transfer through terrestrial food chains. This reinforces the notion of metal toxicity as a closed system, failing to consider one trophic level as a pollution source to another; therefore, obscuring the full extent of ecosystem effects. Given the relatively few studies on trophic transfer of metals, this review has taken a compartment-based approach, where transfer of metals through trophic pathways is considered as a series of linked compartments (soil-plant-arthropod herbivore-arthropod predator). In particular, we consider the mechanisms by which trace metals are taken up by organisms, the forms and transformations that can occur within the organism and the consequences for trace metal availability to the next trophic level. The review focuses on four of the most prevalent metal cations in soil which are labile in terrestrial food chains: Cd, Cu, Zn and Ni. Current knowledge of the processes and mechanisms by which these metals are transformed and moved within and between trophic levels in the soil-plant-arthropod system are evaluated. We demonstrate that the key factors controlling the transfer of trace metals through the soil-plant-arthropod system are the form and location in which the metal occurs in the lower trophic level and the physiological mechanisms of each organism in regulating uptake, transformation, detoxification and transfer. The magnitude of transfer varies considerably depending on the trace metal concerned, as does its toxicity, and we conclude that biomagnification is not a general property of plant-arthropod and arthropod-arthropod systems. To deliver a more holistic assessment of ecosystem toxicity, integrated studies across ecosystem compartments are needed to identify critical pathways that can result in secondary toxicity across terrestrial food-chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Tibbett
- Department of Sustainable Land Management & Soil Research Centre, School of Agriculture Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - Iain Green
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Andrew Rate
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Vinícius H De Oliveira
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Jeanette Whitaker
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
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12
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The Vhl E3 ubiquitin ligase complex regulates melanisation via sima, cnc and the copper import protein Ctr1A. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119022. [PMID: 33775798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
VHL encodes a tumour suppressor, which possesses E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in complex with EloC and Cul2. In tumour cells or in response to hypoxia, VHL activity is lost, causing accumulation of the transcription factor HIF-1alpha. In this study, we demonstrated that in Drosophila, Rpn9, a regulatory component of the 26 s proteasome, participates in the Vhl-induced proteasomal degradation of sima, the Drosophila orthologue of HIF-1alpha. Knockdown of Vhl induces increased melanisation in the adult fly thorax and concurrent decrease in pigmentation in the abdomen. Both these defects are rescued by knockdown of sima and partially by knockdown of cnc, which encodes the fly orthologue of the transcription factor Nrf2, the master regulator of oxidative stress response. We further show that sima overexpression and Rpn9 knockdown both result in post-translational down-regulation of the copper uptake transporter Ctr1A in the fly eye and that Ctr1A expression exacerbates Vhl knockdown defects in the thorax and rescues these defects in the abdomen. We conclude that Vhl negatively regulates both sima and cnc and that in the absence of Vhl, these transcription factors interact to regulate Ctr1A, copper uptake and consequently melanin formation. We propose a model whereby the co-regulatory relationship between sima and cnc flips between thorax and abdomen: in the thorax, sima is favoured leading to upregulation of Ctr1A; in the abdomen, cnc dominates, resulting in the post-translational downregulation of Ctr1A.
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Everman ER, Cloud-Richardson KM, Macdonald SJ. Characterizing the genetic basis of copper toxicity in Drosophila reveals a complex pattern of allelic, regulatory, and behavioral variation. Genetics 2021; 217:1-20. [PMID: 33683361 PMCID: PMC8045719 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of heavy metals are required for normal cell function and homeostasis. However, the anthropogenic release of metal compounds into soil and water sources presents a pervasive health threat. Copper is one of many heavy metals that negatively impacts diverse organisms at a global scale. Using a combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and RNA sequencing in the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource, we demonstrate that resistance to the toxic effects of ingested copper in D. melanogaster is genetically complex and influenced by allelic and expression variation at multiple loci. QTL mapping identified several QTL that account for a substantial fraction of heritability. Additionally, we find that copper resistance is impacted by variation in behavioral avoidance of copper and may be subject to life-stage specific regulation. Gene expression analysis further demonstrated that resistant and sensitive strains are characterized by unique expression patterns. Several of the candidate genes identified via QTL mapping and RNAseq have known copper-specific functions (e.g., Ccs, Sod3, CG11825), and others are involved in the regulation of other heavy metals (e.g., Catsup, whd). We validated several of these candidate genes with RNAi suggesting they contribute to variation in adult copper resistance. Our study illuminates the interconnected roles that allelic and expression variation, organism life stage, and behavior play in copper resistance, allowing a deeper understanding of the diverse mechanisms through which metal pollution can negatively impact organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Everman
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | | | - Stuart J Macdonald
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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14
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Bakkar N, Starr A, Rabichow BE, Lorenzini I, McEachin ZT, Kraft R, Chaung M, Macklin-Isquierdo S, Wingfield T, Carhart B, Zahler N, Chang WH, Bassell GJ, Betourne A, Boulis N, Alworth SV, Ichida JK, August PR, Zarnescu DC, Sattler R, Bowser R. The M1311V variant of ATP7A is associated with impaired trafficking and copper homeostasis in models of motor neuron disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 149:105228. [PMID: 33359139 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption in copper homeostasis causes a number of cognitive and motor deficits. Wilson's disease and Menkes disease are neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from mutations in the copper transporters ATP7A and ATP7B, with ATP7A mutations also causing occipital horn syndrome, and distal motor neuropathy. A 65 year old male presenting with brachial amyotrophic diplegia and diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was found to harbor a p.Met1311Val (M1311V) substitution variant in ATP7A. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with progressive muscle weakness, synaptic deficits and degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. To investigate the potential contribution of the ATP7AM1311V variant to neurodegeneration, we obtained and characterized both patient-derived fibroblasts and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into motor neurons (iPSC-MNs), and compared them to control cell lines. We found reduced localization of ATP7AM1311V to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) at basal copper levels in patient-derived fibroblasts and iPSC-MNs. In addition, redistribution of ATP7AM1311V out of the TGN in response to increased extracellular copper was defective in patient fibroblasts. This manifested in enhanced intracellular copper accumulation and reduced survival of ATP7AM1311V fibroblasts. iPSC-MNs harboring the ATP7AM1311V variant showed decreased dendritic complexity, aberrant spontaneous firing, and decreased survival. Finally, expression of the ATP7AM1311V variant in Drosophila motor neurons resulted in motor deficits. Apilimod, a drug that targets vesicular transport and recently shown to enhance survival of C9orf72-ALS/FTD iPSC-MNs, also increased survival of ATP7AM1311V iPSC-MNs and reduced motor deficits in Drosophila expressing ATP7AM1311V. Taken together, these observations suggest that ATP7AM1311V negatively impacts its role as a copper transporter and impairs several aspects of motor neuron function and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Bakkar
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Alexander Starr
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Benjamin E Rabichow
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Ileana Lorenzini
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Zachary T McEachin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Robert Kraft
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Matthew Chaung
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Sam Macklin-Isquierdo
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Taylor Wingfield
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Briggs Carhart
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | | | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Boulis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | | | - Daniela C Zarnescu
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
| | - Robert Bowser
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
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15
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Zhang B, Binks T, Burke R. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Slimb/β-TrCP is required for normal copper homeostasis in Drosophila. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118768. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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16
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Abolaji AO, Fasae KD, Iwezor CE, Farombi EO. D-Penicillamine prolongs survival and lessens copper-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:346-352. [PMID: 32905187 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
D-penicillamine (DPA) is an amino-thiol that has been established as a copper chelating agent for the treatment of Wilson's disease. DPA reacts with metals to form complexes and/or chelates. Here, we investigated the survival rate extension capacity and modulatory role of DPA on Cu2+-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult Wild type (Harwich strain) flies were exposed to Cu2+ (1 mM) and/or DPA (50 μM) in the diet for 7 days. Additionally, flies were exposed to acute Cu2+ (10 mM) for 24 h, followed by DPA (50 μM) treatment for 4 days. Thereafter, the antioxidant status [total thiol (T-SH) and glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities] as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. The results showed that DPA treatment prolongs the survival rate of D. melanogaster by protecting against Cu2+-induced lethality. Further, DPA restored Cu2+-induced depletion of T-SH level compared to the control (P < 0.05). DPA also protected against Cu2+ (1 mM)-induced inhibition of catalase activity. In addition, DPA ameliorated Cu2+-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase activity in the flies. The study may therefore have health implications in neurodegenerative diseases involving oxidative stress such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Olalekan Abolaji
- Department of Biochemistry, Drosophila Laboratory, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde Damilare Fasae
- Department of Biochemistry, Drosophila Laboratory, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chizim Elizabeth Iwezor
- Department of Biochemistry, Drosophila Laboratory, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ebenezer Olatunde Farombi
- Department of Biochemistry, Drosophila Laboratory, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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17
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Vásquez-Procopio J, Osorio B, Cortés-Martínez L, Hernández-Hernández F, Medina-Contreras O, Ríos-Castro E, Comjean A, Li F, Hu Y, Mohr S, Perrimon N, Missirlis F. Intestinal response to dietary manganese depletion inDrosophila. Metallomics 2020; 12:218-240. [DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00218a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic adaptations to manganese deficiency.
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18
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Halmenschelager PT, da Rocha JBT. Biochemical CuSO 4 Toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster Depends on Sex and Developmental Stage of Exposure. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 189:574-585. [PMID: 30178145 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Copper is a transition metal that exists in different chemical forms (e.g., Cu2+,Cu+, and Cu0) and at high concentrations it is toxic. Here, we investigated the Cu2+-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster, evaluating the survival, locomotion, and the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes. Flies were exposed to Cu2+(0.1-1 mmol CuSO4/kg of diet or approximately 0.1-1 mM Cu2+) and allowed to mate during 24 h. GST and AChE enzymes were evaluated in the larvae and in the head and the body (thorax + abdomen) of the adult male and females flies. The total number of adult females (0.4-1 mM) and males (0.75 and 1 mM) was decreased by CuSO4. The climbing ability was hampered in flies exposed to 1 mM Cu2+. In larvae, Cu2+(0.4-1 mM) increased AChE activity (P < 0.002). In males' heads, 0.4 mM Cu2+ increased the AChE activity (P < 0.01). In adults' bodies, Cu2+inhibited the activity in both sexes, but with greater effectiveness in males (0.1 to 1 mM) than in females (1 mM). Regarding GST activity, 0.1 mM Cu2+increased, but 1 mM decrease GST in larvae. In the head of flies, Cu2+decreased the GST activity at intermediate (0.4 mM) and increased GST at the highest concentration (1 mM) in males. In the bodies, the effect of Cu2+was similar. In conclusion, Cu2+exposure in D. melanogaster disrupted locomotion and enzymatic parameters that can be related to changes in AChE and in the detoxifying GST enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tais Halmenschelager
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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19
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Gold M, Tomberlin JK, Diener S, Zurbrügg C, Mathys A. Decomposition of biowaste macronutrients, microbes, and chemicals in black soldier fly larval treatment: A review. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 82:302-318. [PMID: 30509593 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Processing of biowaste with larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is an emerging waste treatment technology. Larvae grown on biowaste can be a relevant raw material for animal feed production and can therefore provide revenues for financially viable waste management systems. In addition, when produced on biowaste, insect-based feeds can be more sustainable than conventional feeds. Among others, the scalability of the technology will depend on the availability of large amounts of biowaste with a high process performance (e.g. bioconversion of organic matter to proteins and lipids) and microbial and chemical product safety. Currently, in contrast to other waste treatment technologies, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, the process performance is variable and the processes driving the decomposition of biowaste macronutrients, inactivation of microbes and fate of chemicals is poorly understood. This review presents the first summary of the most important processes involved in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) treatment, based on the available knowledge concerning five well-studied fly species. This is a starting point to increase understanding regarding the processes of this technology, with the potential to increase its efficiency and uptake, and support the development of appropriate regulations. Based on this review, formulating different types of biowaste, e.g. to produce a diet with a similar protein content, a balanced amino acid profile and/or pre- and co-treatment of biowaste with beneficial microbes, has the potential to increase process performance. Following harvest, larvae require heat or other treatments for microbial inactivation and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Gold
- ETH Zurich: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sustainable Food Processing Laboratory, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Sandec: Department Sanitation, Water and Solid Water for Development, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jeffery K Tomberlin
- Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology, 370 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Stefan Diener
- Biovision Foundation, Heinrichstrasse 147, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Zurbrügg
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Sandec: Department Sanitation, Water and Solid Water for Development, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Mathys
- ETH Zurich: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sustainable Food Processing Laboratory, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Miguel-Aliaga I, Jasper H, Lemaitre B. Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive Tract of Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2018; 210:357-396. [PMID: 30287514 PMCID: PMC6216580 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract has recently come to the forefront of multiple research fields. It is now recognized as a major source of signals modulating food intake, insulin secretion and energy balance. It is also a key player in immunity and, through its interaction with microbiota, can shape our physiology and behavior in complex and sometimes unexpected ways. The insect intestine had remained, by comparison, relatively unexplored until the identification of adult somatic stem cells in the Drosophila intestine over a decade ago. Since then, a growing scientific community has exploited the genetic amenability of this insect organ in powerful and creative ways. By doing so, we have shed light on a broad range of biological questions revolving around stem cells and their niches, interorgan signaling and immunity. Despite their relatively recent discovery, some of the mechanisms active in the intestine of flies have already been shown to be more widely applicable to other gastrointestinal systems, and may therefore become relevant in the context of human pathologies such as gastrointestinal cancers, aging, or obesity. This review summarizes our current knowledge of both the formation and function of the Drosophila melanogaster digestive tract, with a major focus on its main digestive/absorptive portion: the strikingly adaptable adult midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California 94945-1400
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Bruno Lemaitre
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Reed E, Lutsenko S, Bandmann O. Animal models of Wilson disease. J Neurochem 2018; 146:356-373. [PMID: 29473169 PMCID: PMC6107386 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism manifesting with hepatic, neurological and psychiatric symptoms. The limitations of the currently available therapy for WD (particularly in the management of neuropsychiatric disease), together with our limited understanding of key aspects of this illness (e.g. neurological vs. hepatic presentation) justify the ongoing need to study WD in suitable animal models. Four animal models of WD have been established: the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat, the toxic-milk mouse, the Atp7b knockout mouse and the Labrador retriever. The existing models of WD all show good similarity to human hepatic WD and have been helpful in developing an improved understanding of the human disease. As mammals, the mouse, rat and canine models also benefit from high homology to the human genome. However, important differences exist between these mammalian models and human disease, particularly the absence of a convincing neurological phenotype. This review will first provide an overview of our current knowledge of the orthologous genes encoding ATP7B and the closely related ATP7A protein in C. elegans, Drosophila and zebrafish (Danio rerio) and then summarise key characteristics of rodent and larger mammalian models of ATP7B-deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Reed
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Oliver Bandmann
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Baltimore, USA
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22
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Navarro JA, Schneuwly S. Copper and Zinc Homeostasis: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster. Front Genet 2017; 8:223. [PMID: 29312444 PMCID: PMC5743009 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of metal homeostasis is crucial for many different enzymatic activities and in turn for cell function and survival. In addition, cells display detoxification and protective mechanisms against toxic accumulation of metals. Perturbation of any of these processes normally leads to cellular dysfunction and finally to cell death. In the last years, loss of metal regulation has been described as a common pathological feature in many human neurodegenerative diseases. However, in most cases, it is still a matter of debate whether such dyshomeostasis is a primary or a secondary downstream defect. In this review, we will summarize and critically evaluate the contribution of Drosophila to model human diseases that involve altered metabolism of metals or in which metal dyshomeostasis influence their pathobiology. As a prerequisite to use Drosophila as a model, we will recapitulate and describe the main features of core genes involved in copper and zinc metabolism that are conserved between mammals and flies. Drosophila presents some unique strengths to be at the forefront of neurobiological studies. The number of genetic tools, the possibility to easily test genetic interactions in vivo and the feasibility to perform unbiased genetic and pharmacological screens are some of the most prominent advantages of the fruitfly. In this work, we will pay special attention to the most important results reported in fly models to unveil the role of copper and zinc in cellular degeneration and their influence in the development and progression of human neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Friedreich's Ataxia or Menkes, and Wilson's diseases. Finally, we show how these studies performed in the fly have allowed to give further insight into the influence of copper and zinc in the molecular and cellular causes and consequences underlying these diseases as well as the discovery of new therapeutic strategies, which had not yet been described in other model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Navarro
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Dow JA. The essential roles of metal ions in insect homeostasis and physiology. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 23:43-50. [PMID: 29129281 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metal ions play distinct roles in living organisms, including insects. Some, like sodium and potassium, are central players in osmoregulation and 'blood and guts' transport physiology, and have been implicated in cold adaptation. Calcium is a key player as a second messenger, and as a structural element. Other metals, particularly those with multiple redox states, can be cofactors in many metalloenzymes, but can contribute to toxic oxidative stress on the organism in excess. This short review selects some examples where classical knowledge has been supplemented with recent advances, in order to emphasize the importance of metals as essential nutrients for insect survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian At Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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24
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Balinski MA, Woodruff RC. Differential sexual survival of Drosophila melanogaster on copper sulfate. Genetica 2017; 145:131-137. [PMID: 28154959 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-017-9951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Based on studies of the influence of X-chromosomes on the viability of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to cadmium, and on the role of X-linked genes on copper homeostasis, we examined the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on offspring viability using three independent, inbred D. melanogaster crosses (ensuring identical autosomes for males and females within each cross). Each cross was performed with attached X-chromosome females and males with a single X-chromosome. As female D. melanogaster have less metallothionein RNA expression than males, we predicted fewer female offspring than male offspring in crosses exposed to CuSO4, even though females have two copies of X-chromosome genes, possibly resulting in overdominant heterozygosity. In two of three crosses, CuSO4 caused significantly higher numbers of male offspring compared to female offspring. We hypothesized that these gender-based viability differences to copper exposure are caused by X-chromosome ploidy and X-linked genetic variation affecting metallothionein expression. Observed differential offspring viability responses among crosses to copper exposure also showed that different genetic backgrounds (autosomal and/or X-chromosome) can result in significant differences in heavy metal and metallothionein regulation. These results suggest that the effect of copper on offspring viability depends on both genetic background and gender, as both factors can affect the regulation of metallothionein proteins as well as homeostasis of biologically necessary heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Balinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA.
| | - Ronny C Woodruff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
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25
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Mercer SW, Wang J, Burke R. In Vivo Modeling of the Pathogenic Effect of Copper Transporter Mutations That Cause Menkes and Wilson Diseases, Motor Neuropathy, and Susceptibility to Alzheimer's Disease. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:4113-4122. [PMID: 28119449 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.756163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential biometal, and several inherited diseases are directly associated with a disruption to normal copper homeostasis. The best characterized are the copper deficiency and toxicity disorders Menkes and Wilson diseases caused by mutations in the p-type Cu-ATPase genes ATP7A and ATP7B, respectively. Missense mutations in the C-terminal portion of ATP7A have also been shown to cause distal motor neuropathy, whereas polymorphisms in ATP7B are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. We have generated a single, in vivo model for studying multiple pathogenic mutations in ATP7 proteins using Drosophila melanogaster, which has a single orthologue of ATP7A and ATP7B. Four pathogenic ATP7A mutations and two ATP7B mutations were introduced into a genomic ATP7 rescue construct containing an in-frame C-terminal GFP tag. Analysis of the wild type ATP7-GFP transgene confirmed that ATP7 is expressed at the basolateral membrane of larval midgut copper cells and that the transgene can rescue a normally early lethal ATP7 deletion allele to adulthood. Analysis of the gATP7-GFP transgenes containing pathogenic mutations showed that the function of ATP7 was affected, to varying degrees, by all six of the mutations investigated in this study. Of particular interest, the ATP7BK832R Alzheimer's disease susceptibility allele was found, for the first time, to be a loss of function allele. This in vivo system allows us to assess the severity of individual ATP7A/B mutations in an invariant genetic background and has the potential to be used to screen for therapeutic compounds able to restore function to faulty copper transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W Mercer
- From the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jianbin Wang
- From the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Richard Burke
- From the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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26
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James SA, Burke R, Howard DL, Spiers KM, Paterson DJ, Murphy S, Ramm G, Kirkham R, Ryan CG, de Jonge MD. Visualising coordination chemistry: fluorescence X-ray absorption near edge structure tomography. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:11834-11837. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc06747f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Here we develop a measurement scheme to determine the abundance, distribution, and coordination environment of biological copper complexes in situ, without need for complex sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Burke
- School of Biological Sciences
- Monash University
- Clayton 3800
- Australia
| | | | | | | | - S. Murphy
- School of Biological Sciences
- Monash University
- Clayton 3800
- Australia
| | - G. Ramm
- School of Biological Sciences
- Monash University
- Clayton 3800
- Australia
| | - R. Kirkham
- Commonwealth Science Industry Research Organisation
- Clayton 3168
- Australia
| | - C. G. Ryan
- Commonwealth Science Industry Research Organisation
- Clayton 3168
- Australia
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Nguyen AH, Altomare LE, McElwain MC. Decreased accumulation of cadmium in Drosophila selected for resistance suggests a mechanism independent of metallothionein. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 160:245-9. [PMID: 24929542 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0037-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metals, including cadmium, are common contaminants in environments subject to human activity. Responses to exposure in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, are dosage-dependent and resistance is selectable. While metallothionein-mediated sequestration has been extensively studied as a mechanism of cadmium resistance, a link between selection for resistance and an increased accumulation of cadmium has yet to be demonstrated. To address this need, we have selected wild-type flies for cadmium resistance for 20 generations and tested metal content using mass spectrometry. Resistant flies were observed to contain lower levels of cadmium, arguing for a mechanism of cadmium resistance that is not mediated by increased sequestration. This, coupled with genetic evidence suggesting the involvement of factors located on the X chromosome, suggests a gene other than metallothionein may be involved in resistance in this line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin H Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, USA
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Perez MH, Noriega FG. Sub-lethal metal stress response of larvae of Aedes aegypti. PHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 39:111-119. [PMID: 24926118 PMCID: PMC4049351 DOI: 10.1111/phen.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) has adapted to urban environments; the urbanisation process provides suitable habitats for this disease vector subsequently increasing the probability of the transmission of pathogens in high-density environments. Urban environments provide metal stressed larval habitats. However, little is known about the physiological cost of metal stress or how this might affect the performance of this mosquito species. This study aims to characterise the sub-lethal physiological consequences of metal stress in Aedes aegypti. Various parameters of mosquito physiology under larval metal stress are assessed including larval metallothionein expression and the effects of larval metal stress on adult performance and their progeny. Results show that environmentally relevant larval metal stress compromises larval and adult development and performance, and results in larval metal tolerance along with an increase in lipid consumption. These performance costs are coupled to a dramatic increase in metallothionein expression in the midgut. Metal stress results in lowered adult body mass and neutral storage lipids at emergence, starvation tolerance, fecundity and starvation tolerance of offspring compared to non-metal stressed individuals. Ironically, larval metal stress results in increased adult longevity. Together, these findings indicate that even low levels of environmentally relevant larval metal stress have considerable physiological consequences for this important disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario H Perez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fernando G Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential redox active metal that is potentially toxic in excess. Multicellular organisms acquire Cu from the diet and must regulate uptake, storage, distribution and export of Cu at both the cellular and organismal levels. Systemic Cu deficiency can be fatal, as seen in Menkes disease patients. Conversely Cu toxicity occurs in patients with Wilson disease. Cu dyshomeostasis has also been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Over the last decade, the fly Drosophila melanogaster has become an important model organism for the elucidation of eukaryotic Cu regulatory mechanisms. Gene discovery approaches with Drosophila have identified novel genes with conserved protein functions relevant to Cu homeostasis in humans. This review focuses on our current understanding of Cu uptake, distribution and export in Drosophila and the implications for mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Southon
- Department of Genetics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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Abstract
The digestive tract plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Far from being a passive tube, it provides the first line of defense against pathogens and maintains energy homeostasis by exchanging neuronal and endocrine signals with other organs. Historically neglected, the gut of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has recently come to the forefront of Drosophila research. Areas as diverse as stem cell biology, neurobiology, metabolism, and immunity are benefitting from the ability to study the genetics of development, growth regulation, and physiology in the same organ. In this review, we summarize our knowledge of the Drosophila digestive tract, with an emphasis on the adult midgut and its functional underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lemaitre
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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31
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Green ID, Walmsley K. Time-response relationships for the accumulation of Cu, Ni and Zn by seven-spotted ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata L.) under conditions of single and combined metal exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 93:184-189. [PMID: 23810517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation, and therefore toxicity, of trace metals in invertebrates may be affected by potential interactive effects that can occur amongst different metallic elements. However, there is little data on the nature and effects of such interactions in terrestrial systems. This work reports the interactions among Cu, Ni and Zn during accumulation by the beetle Coccinella septempunctata. Test animals were treated with 500mgkg(-1) of each metal singularly and in combination for 15d. The effects of treatment with a single metal had no effect on the baseline concentrations of the other two. Time-response relationships for Cu and Ni after treatment with one metal were curvilinear, demonstrating that the metals were initially accumulated, but after ∼8d regulatory mechanisms became effective. This resulted in decreasing concentrations in test animals despite continued treatment. In contrast, the time-response relationship for Zn was linear. Treatment with metals in combination markedly altered the time-response relationships with all three metals showing a linear trend and the slope of the Zn relationship increasing significantly. After 15d of exposure this had the effect of increasing the metal concentration in animals exposed in combination compared to those exposed singularly by 144% to 38.3mgkg(-1) for Cu, 141% to 27.5mgkg(-1) for Ni and 55% to 311mgkg(-1) for Zn. For all metals, differences amongst treatments were significant, indicating that inter-element interactions can enhance the concentration of trace metals in C. septempunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Green
- The School of Applied Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK.
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32
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Huntington disease arises from a combinatory toxicity of polyglutamine and copper binding. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:14995-5000. [PMID: 23980182 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1308535110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by dominant polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion within the N terminus of huntingtin (Htt) protein. Abnormal metal accumulation in the striatum of HD patients has been reported for many years, but a causative relationship has not yet been established. Furthermore, if metal is indeed involved in HD, the underlying mechanism needs to be explored. Here using a Drosophila model of HD, wherein Htt exon1 with expanded polyQ (Htt exon1-polyQ) is introduced, we show that altered expression of genes involved in copper metabolism significantly modulates the HD progression. Intervention of dietary copper levels also modifies HD phenotypes in the fly. Copper reduction to a large extent decreases the level of oligomerized and aggregated Htt. Strikingly, substitution of two potential copper-binding residues of Htt, Met8 and His82, completely dissociates the copper-intensifying toxicity of Htt exon1-polyQ. Our results therefore indicate HD entails two levels of toxicity: the copper-facilitated protein aggregation as conferred by a direct copper binding in the exon1 and the copper-independent polyQ toxicity. The existence of these two parallel pathways converging into Htt toxicity also suggests that an ideal HD therapy would be a multipronged approach that takes both these actions into consideration.
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Armstrong N, Ramamoorthy M, Lyon D, Jones K, Duttaroy A. Mechanism of silver nanoparticles action on insect pigmentation reveals intervention of copper homeostasis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53186. [PMID: 23308159 PMCID: PMC3538783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), like almost all nanoparticles, are potentially toxic beyond a certain concentration because the survival of the organism is compromised due to scores of pathophysiological abnormalities past that concentration. However, the mechanism of AgNP toxicity remains undetermined. Instead of applying a toxic dose, we attempted to monitor the effects of AgNPs at a nonlethal concentration on wild type Drosophila melanogaster by exposing them throughout their development. All adult flies raised in AgNP doped food showed that up to 50 mg/L concentration AgNP has no negative influence on median survival; however, these flies appeared uniformly lighter in body color due to the loss of melanin pigments in their cuticle. Additionally, fertility and vertical movement ability were compromised due to AgNP feeding. Determination of the amount of free ionic silver (Ag+) led us to claim that the observed biological effects have resulted from the AgNPs and not from Ag+. Biochemical analysis suggests that the activity of copper dependent enzymes, namely tyrosinase and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, are decreased significantly following the consumption of AgNPs, despite the constant level of copper present in the tissue. Consequently, we propose a mechanism whereby consumption of excess AgNPs in association with membrane bound copper transporter proteins cause sequestration of copper, thus creating a condition that resembles copper starvation. This model also explains the cuticular demelanization effect resulting from AgNP since tyrosinase activity is essential for melanin biosynthesis. Finally, we claim that Drosophila, an established genetic model system, can be well utilized for further understanding of the biological effects of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najealicka Armstrong
- Biology Department, Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Malaisamy Ramamoorthy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Delina Lyon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Kimberly Jones
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Atanu Duttaroy
- Biology Department, Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Biological trace metals are needed in small quantities, but used by all living organisms. They are employed in key cellular functions in a variety of biological processes, resulting in the various degree of dependence of organisms on metals. Most effort in the field has been placed on experimental studies of metal utilization pathways and metal-dependent proteins. On the other hand, systemic level analyses of metalloproteomes (or metallomes) have been limited for most metals. In this chapter, we focus on the recent advances in comparative genomics, which provides many insights into evolution and function of metal utilization. These studies suggested that iron and zinc are widely used in biology (presumably by all organisms), whereas some other metals such as copper, molybdenum, nickel, and cobalt, show scattered occurrence in various groups of organisms. For these metals, most user proteins are well characterized and their dependence on a specific element is evolutionarily conserved. We also discuss evolutionary dynamics of the dependence of user proteins on different metals. Overall, comparative genomics analysis of metallomes provides a foundation for the systemic level understanding of metal utilization as well as for investigating the general features, functions, and evolutionary dynamics of metal use in the three domains of life.
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Günther V, Lindert U, Schaffner W. The taste of heavy metals: gene regulation by MTF-1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1823:1416-25. [PMID: 22289350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 01/08/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1, also termed MRE-binding transcription factor-1 or metal regulatory transcription factor-1) is a pluripotent transcriptional regulator involved in cellular adaptation to various stress conditions, primarily exposure to heavy metals but also to hypoxia or oxidative stress. MTF-1 is evolutionarily conserved from insects to humans and is the main activator of metallothionein genes, which encode small cysteine-rich proteins that can scavenge toxic heavy metals and free radicals. MTF-1 has been suggested to act as an intracellular metal sensor but evidence for direct metal sensing was scarce. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of MTF-1 regulation with a focus on the mechanism underlying heavy metal responsiveness and transcriptional activation mediated by mammalian or Drosophila MTF-1. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Günther
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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36
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Sellami A, Wegener C, Veenstra JA. Functional significance of the copper transporter ATP7 in peptidergic neurons and endocrine cells inDrosophila melanogaster. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:3633-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Perez MH, Noriega FG. Aedes aegypti pharate 1st instar quiescence affects larval fitness and metal tolerance. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:824-9. [PMID: 22426084 PMCID: PMC3358467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The eggs of the mosquito Aedes aegypti possess the ability to undergo an extended quiescence hosting a fully developed 1st instar larvae within the chorion. As a result of this life history trait pharate larvae can withstand months of quiescence inside the egg where they depend on stored maternal reserves. A. aegypti mosquitoes are frequently associated with urban habitats that may contain significant metal pollution. Therefore, the duration of quiescence and extent of nutritional depletion may affect the physiology and survival of larvae that hatch in a suboptimal habitat. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an extended quiescence on larval nutrient reserves and the subsequent effects of metal exposure on larval fitness, survival and development. We hypothesized that an extended quiescence would reduce nutritional reserves and alter the molecular response to metal exposure thereby reducing larval survival and altering larval development. As a molecular marker for metal stress responses, we evaluated transcriptional changes in the metallothionein gene (AaMtn) in response to quiescence and metal exposure. Extended 1st instar quiescence resulted in a significant decrease in lipid reserves and negatively affected larval fitness and development. AaMtn transcription and metal tolerance were compromised in first instars emerged from eggs that had undergone an extended quiescence. These findings suggest that newly emerged mosquito larvae that had survived a relatively long pharate 1st instar quiescence (as might occur during a dry season) are more vulnerable to environmental stress. Pharate 1st instar quiescence could have implications for vector control strategies. Newly emerged mosquito larvae at the end of the dry season or start of the wet season are physiologically compromised, and therefore potentially more susceptible to vector control strategies than mosquito larvae hatched subsequently throughout the wet season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario H Perez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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38
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Lye JC, Hwang JEC, Paterson D, de Jonge MD, Howard DL, Burke R. Detection of genetically altered copper levels in Drosophila tissues by synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microscopy. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26867. [PMID: 22053217 PMCID: PMC3203902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-specific manipulation of known copper transport genes in Drosophila tissues results in phenotypes that are presumably due to an alteration in copper levels in the targeted cells. However direct confirmation of this has to date been technically challenging. Measures of cellular copper content such as expression levels of copper-responsive genes or cuproenzyme activity levels, while useful, are indirect. First-generation copper-sensitive fluorophores show promise but currently lack the sensitivity required to detect subtle changes in copper levels. Moreover such techniques do not provide information regarding other relevant biometals such as zinc or iron. Traditional techniques for measuring elemental composition such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy are not sensitive enough for use with the small tissue amounts available in Drosophila research. Here we present synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microscopy analysis of two different Drosophila tissues, the larval wing imaginal disc, and sectioned adult fly heads and show that this technique can be used to detect changes in tissue copper levels caused by targeted manipulation of known copper homeostasis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Lye
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joab E. C. Hwang
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Paterson
- X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy, Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin D. de Jonge
- X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy, Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daryl L. Howard
- X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy, Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Burke
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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39
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Hua H, Münter L, Harmeier A, Georgiev O, Multhaup G, Schaffner W. Toxicity of Alzheimer's disease-associated Aβ peptide is ameliorated in a Drosophila model by tight control of zinc and copper availability. Biol Chem 2011; 392:919-26. [PMID: 21801085 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2011.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid plaques consisting of aggregated Aβ peptide are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Among the different forms of Aβ, the one of 42aa length (Aβ42) is most aggregation-prone and also the most neurotoxic. We find that eye-specific expression of human Aβ42 in Drosophila results in a degeneration of eye structures that progresses with age. Dietary supplements of zinc or copper ions exacerbate eye damage. Positive effects are seen with zinc/copper chelators, or with elevated expression of MTF-1, a transcription factor with a key role in metal homeostasis and detoxification, or with human or fly transgenes encoding metallothioneins, metal scavenger proteins. These results show that a tight control of zinc and copper availability can minimize cellular damage associated with Aβ42 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Hua
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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40
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Distorted copper homeostasis with decreased sensitivity to cisplatin upon chaperone Atox1 deletion in Drosophila. Biometals 2011; 24:445-53. [PMID: 21465178 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-011-9438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Copper is an integral part of a number of proteins and thus an essential trace metal. However, free copper ions can be highly toxic and every organism has to carefully control its bioavailability. Eukaryotes contain three copper chaperones; Atx1p/Atox1 which delivers copper to ATP7 transporters located in the trans-Golgi network, Cox17 which provides copper to the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, and CCS which is a copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase 1. Here we describe the knockout phenotype of the Drosophila homolog of mammalian Atox1 (ATX1 in yeast). Atox1-/- flies develop normally, though at reduced numbers, and the eclosing flies are fertile. However, the mutants are unable to develop on low-copper food. Furthermore, the intestinal copper importer Ctr1B, which is regulated by copper demand, fails to be induced upon copper starvation in Atox1-/- larvae. At the same time, intestinal metallothionein is upregulated. This phenotype, which resembles the one of the ATP7 mutant, is best explained by intestinal copper accumulation, combined with insufficient delivery to the rest of the body. In addition, compared to controls, Drosophila Atox1 mutants are relatively insensitive to the anticancer drug cisplatin, a compound which is also imported via Ctr1 copper transporters and was recently found to bind mammalian Atox1.
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41
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Bettedi L, Aslam MF, Szular J, Mandilaras K, Missirlis F. Iron depletion in the intestines of Malvolio mutant flies does not occur in the absence of a multicopper oxidase. J Exp Biol 2011; 214:971-8. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.051664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Malvolio (Mvl) encodes the sole Drosophila melanogaster homologue of divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1). The Drosophila transporter has been implicated in iron, manganese and copper cellular import. Indeed, the extent of metal specificity for this family of transporters is still under investigation in many eukaryotic species. Here, we revisit metal accumulation in Mvl mutants raised under normal and metal-supplemented diets. We found iron deficiency in Mvl mutant flies, whereas whole body copper and manganese concentrations remained unaltered. Iron supplementation restored total body iron concentrations in Mvl mutants, but without replenishing iron stores in the middle midgut, suggesting a role for Mvl in systemic iron trafficking, in addition to a role in intestinal iron absorption. Interestingly, dietary copper sulphate supplementation further exacerbated the iron deficiency. We investigated whether dietary copper affected iron storage through the function of an insect multicopper oxidase (MCO), because the mammalian MCO ceruloplasmin is known to regulate iron storage in the liver. We identified a Drosophila MCO mutant that suppressed aspects of the Mvl mutant phenotype and most notably Mvl, MCO3 double mutants showed normal intestinal iron storage. Therefore, MCO3 may encode an insect ferroxidase. Intriguingly, MCO3 mutants had a mild accumulation of copper, which was suppressed in Mvl mutants, revealing a reciprocal genetic interaction between the two genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Bettedi
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Mohamad F. Aslam
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Joanna Szular
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Konstantinos Mandilaras
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Fanis Missirlis
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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42
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Evidence for evolutionary constraints in Drosophila metal biology. Biometals 2011; 24:679-86. [PMID: 21293906 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-011-9420-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in single Drosophila melanogaster genes can alter total body metal accumulation. We therefore asked whether evolutionary constraints maintain biologically abundant metal ions (iron, copper, manganese and zinc) to similar concentrations in different species of Drosophilidae, or whether metal homeostasis is a highly adaptable trait as shown previously for triglyceride and glycogen storage. To avoid dietary influences, only species able to grow and reproduce on a standard laboratory medium were selected for analysis. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine metal content in 5-days-old adult flies. Overall, the data suggest that the metallome of the nine species tested is well conserved. Meaningful average values for the Drosophilidae family are presented. Few statistically significant differences were noted for copper, manganese and zinc between species. In contrast, Drosophila erecta and Drosophila virilis showed a 50% increase above average and a 30% decrease below average in iron concentrations, respectively. The changes in total body iron content correlated with altered iron storage in intestinal ferritin stores of these species. Hence, the variability in iron content could be accounted for by a corresponding adaptation in iron storage regulation. We suggest that the relative expression of the multitude of metalloenzymes and other metal-binding proteins remains overall similar between species and likely determines relative metal abundances in the organism. The availability of a complete and annotated genome sequence of different Drosophila species presents opportunities to study the evolution of metal homeostasis in closely related organisms that have evolved separately for millions or dozens of million years.
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43
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Nose Y, Wood LK, Kim BE, Prohaska JR, Fry RS, Spears JW, Thiele DJ. Ctr1 is an apical copper transporter in mammalian intestinal epithelial cells in vivo that is controlled at the level of protein stability. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:32385-92. [PMID: 20699218 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.143826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element that functions in a diverse array of biochemical processes that include mitochondrial respiration, neurotransmitter biogenesis, connective tissue maturation, and reactive oxygen chemistry. The Ctr1 protein is a high-affinity Cu(+) importer that is structurally and functionally conserved in yeast, plants, fruit flies, and humans and that, in all of these organisms, is localized to the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles. Although intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of Ctr1 in mice demonstrated a critical role for Ctr1 in dietary copper absorption, some controversy exists over the localization of Ctr1 in intestinal epithelial cells in vivo. In this work, we assess the localization of Ctr1 in intestinal epithelial cells through two independent mechanisms. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that Ctr1 localizes to the apical membrane in intestinal epithelial cells of the mouse, rat, and pig. Moreover, biotinylation of intestinal luminal proteins from mice fed a control or a copper-deficient diet showed elevated levels of both total and apical membrane Ctr1 protein in response to transient dietary copper limitation. Experiments in cultured HEK293T cells demonstrated that alterations in the levels of the glycosylated form of Ctr1 in response to copper availability were a time-dependent, copper-specific posttranslational response. Taken together, these results demonstrate apical localization of Ctr1 in intestinal epithelia across three mammalian species and suggest that increased Ctr1 apical localization in response to dietary copper limitation may represent an adaptive response to homeostatically modulate Ctr1 availability at the site of intestinal copper absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nose
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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44
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Seetharam A, Bai Y, Stuart GW. A survey of well conserved families of C2H2 zinc-finger genes in Daphnia. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:276. [PMID: 20433734 PMCID: PMC2889900 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A recent comparative genomic analysis tentatively identified roughly 40 orthologous groups of C2H2 Zinc-finger proteins that are well conserved in "bilaterians" (i.e. worms, flies, and humans). Here we extend that analysis to include a second arthropod genome from the crustacean, Daphnia pulex. Results Most of the 40 orthologous groups of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins are represented by just one or two proteins within each of the previously surveyed species. Likewise, Daphnia were found to possess a similar number of orthologs for all of these small orthology groups. In contrast, the number of Sp/KLF homologs tends to be greater and to vary between species. Like the corresponding mammalian Sp/KLF proteins, most of the Drosophila and Daphnia homologs can be placed into one of three sub-groups: Class I-III. Daphnia were found to have three Class I proteins that roughly correspond to their Drosophila counterparts, dSP1, btd, CG5669, and three Class II proteins that roughly correspond to Luna, CG12029, CG9895. However, Daphnia have four additional KLF-Class II proteins that are most similar to the vertebrate KLF1/2/4 proteins, a subset not found in Drosophila. Two of these four proteins are encoded by genes linked in tandem. Daphnia also have three KLF-Class III members, one more than Drosophila. One of these is a likely Bteb2 homolog, while the other two correspond to Cabot and KLF13, a vertebrate homolog of Cabot. Conclusion Consistent with their likely roles as fundamental determinants of bilaterian form and function, most of the 40 groups of C2H2 zinc-finger proteins are conserved in kind and number in Daphnia. However, the KLF family includes several additional genes that are most similar to genes present in vertebrates but missing in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Seetharam
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
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Southon A, Palstra N, Veldhuis N, Gaeth A, Robin C, Burke R, Camakaris J. Conservation of copper-transporting P(IB)-type ATPase function. Biometals 2010; 23:681-94. [PMID: 20372979 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-010-9332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Copper-transporting P(IB)-type ATPases are highly conserved, and while unicellular eukaryotes and invertebrates have only one, a gene duplication has occurred during vertebrate evolution. Copper-induced trafficking of mammalian ATP7A and ATP7B from the trans-Golgi Network towards the plasma membrane is critical for their role in copper homeostasis. In polarized epithelial cells ATP7A and ATP7B traffic towards the basolateral and apical membranes respectively. We examined the localization and function of DmATP7, the single Drosophila melanogaster orthologue, in cultured D. melanogaster and mammalian cells to explore the conservation of P(IB)-type ATPase function. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated motifs involved in basolateral targeting and retention of ATP7A were conserved in DmATP7, whereas ATP7B targeting motifs were not. DmATP7 expression was able to correct the copper hyper-accumulation phenotype of cultured fibroblasts from a Menkes disease patient expressing a null ATP7A allele. DmATP7 was able to transport copper to the cupro-enzyme tyrosinase and under elevated copper conditions DmATP7 was able to traffic towards the plasma membrane and efflux copper, essentially phenocopying ATP7A. When expressed in polarized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells, DmATP7 translocated towards the basolateral membrane when exposed to elevated copper, similar to ATP7A. These results demonstrate DmATP7 is able to functionally compensate for the absence of ATP7A, with important trafficking motifs conserved in these distantly related orthologues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Southon
- Department of Genetics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Steiger D, Fetchko M, Vardanyan A, Atanesyan L, Steiner K, Turski ML, Thiele DJ, Georgiev O, Schaffner W. The Drosophila copper transporter Ctr1C functions in male fertility. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:17089-97. [PMID: 20351114 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.090282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Living organisms have evolved intricate systems to harvest trace elements from the environment, to control their intracellular levels, and to ensure adequate delivery to the various organs and cellular compartments. Copper is one of these trace elements. It is at the same time essential for life but also highly toxic, not least because it facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species. In mammals, copper uptake in the intestine and copper delivery into other organs are mediated by the copper importer Ctr1. Drosophila has three Ctr1 homologs: Ctr1A, Ctr1B, and Ctr1C. Earlier work has shown that Ctr1A is an essential gene that is ubiquitously expressed throughout development, whereas Ctr1B is responsible for efficient copper uptake in the intestine. Here, we characterize the function of Ctr1C and show that it functions as a copper importer in the male germline, specifically in maturing spermatocytes and mature sperm. We further demonstrate that loss of Ctr1C in a Ctr1B mutant background results in progressive loss of male fertility that can be rescued by copper supplementation to the food. These findings hint at a link between copper and male fertility, which might also explain the high Ctr1 expression in mature mammalian spermatozoa. In both mammals and Drosophila, the X chromosome is known to be inactivated in the male germline. In accordance with such a scenario, we provide evidence that in Drosophila, the autosomal Ctr1C gene originated as a retrogene copy of the X-linked Ctr1A, thus maintaining copper delivery during male spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Steiger
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Binks T, Lye JC, Camakaris J, Burke R. Tissue-specific interplay between copper uptake and efflux in Drosophila. J Biol Inorg Chem 2010; 15:621-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-010-0629-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Human copper transporter Ctr1 is functional in Drosophila, revealing a high degree of conservation between mammals and insects. J Biol Inorg Chem 2009; 15:107-13. [PMID: 19856191 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-009-0599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Living cells have to carefully control the intracellular concentration of trace metals, especially of copper, which is at the same time essential but owing to its redox activity can also facilitate generation of reactive oxygen species. Mammals have two related copper transporters, Ctr1 and Ctr2, with Ctr1 playing the major role. The fruit fly Drosophila has three family members, termed Ctr1A, Ctr1B, and Ctr1C. Ctr1A is expressed throughout development, and a null mutation causes lethality at an early stage. Ctr1B ensures efficient copper uptake in the intestinal tract, whereas Ctr1C is mainly expressed in male gonads. Ectopic expression of Ctr1 transporters in Drosophila causes toxic effects due to excessive copper uptake. Here, we compare the effects of human Ctr1 (hCtr1) with those of the Drosophila homologs Ctr1A and Ctr1B in two overexpression assays. Whereas the overexpression of Drosophila Ctr1A and Ctr1B results in strong phenotypes, expression of hCtr1 causes only a very mild phenotype, indicating a low copper-import efficiency in the Drosophila system. However, this can be boosted by coexpressing the human copper chaperone CCS. Surprisingly, hCtr1 complements a lethal Ctr1A mutation at least as well as Ctr1A and Ctr1B transgenes. These findings reveal a high level of conservation between the mammalian and insect Ctr1-type copper importers, and they also demonstrate that the Drosophila Ctr1 proteins are functionally interchangeable.
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Ma Z, Jacobsen FE, Giedroc DP. Coordination chemistry of bacterial metal transport and sensing. Chem Rev 2009; 109:4644-81. [PMID: 19788177 PMCID: PMC2783614 DOI: 10.1021/cr900077w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 434] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47401-7005 USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2128 USA
| | - Faith E. Jacobsen
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47401-7005 USA
| | - David P. Giedroc
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47401-7005 USA
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Ruden DM, Chen L, Possidente D, Possidente B, Rasouli P, Wang L, Lu X, Garfinkel MD, Hirsch HVB, Page GP. Genetical toxicogenomics in Drosophila identifies master-modulatory loci that are regulated by developmental exposure to lead. Neurotoxicology 2009; 30:898-914. [PMID: 19737576 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2009.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The genetics of gene expression in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) can be mapped as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). So-called "genetical genomics" studies have identified locally acting eQTLs (cis-eQTLs) for genes that show differences in steady-state RNA levels. These studies have also identified distantly acting master-modulatory trans-eQTLs that regulate tens or hundreds of transcripts (hotspots or transbands). We expand on these studies by performing genetical genomics experiments in two environments in order to identify trans-eQTL that might be regulated by developmental exposure to the neurotoxin lead. Flies from each of 75 RIL were raised from eggs to adults on either control food (made with 250 microM sodium acetate), or lead-treated food (made with 250 microM lead acetate, PbAc). RNA expression analyses of whole adult male flies (5-10 days old) were performed with Affymetrix DrosII whole genome arrays (18,952 probesets). Among the 1389 genes with cis-eQTL, there were 405 genes unique to control flies and 544 genes unique to lead-treated ones (440 genes had the same cis-eQTLs in both samples). There are 2396 genes with trans-eQTL which mapped to 12 major transbands with greater than 95 genes. Permutation analyses of the strain labels but not the expression data suggests that the total number of eQTL and the number of transbands are more important criteria for validation than the size of the transband. Two transbands, one located on the 2nd chromosome and one on the 3rd chromosome, co-regulate 33 lead-induced genes, many of which are involved in neurodevelopmental processes. For these 33 genes, rather than allelic variation at one locus exerting differential effects in two environments, we found that variation at two different loci are required for optimal effects on lead-induced expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M Ruden
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201-2654, USA.
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