High-throughput gene expression in soil invertebrate embryos - Mechanisms of Cd toxicity in Enchytraeus crypticus

Susana I. L. Gomes, Micael F. M. Goncalves, Rita C. Bicho, Carlos P. Roca, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Janeck J. Scott-Fordsmand, Monica J. B. Amorim*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gene expression can vary with the organisms’ life stage. It is known that embryos can be more sensitive to toxicant exposure, as previously demonstrated for Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) exposed to cadmium (Cd), known to cause embryotoxicity and hatching delay. It was shown that Ca enters embryos via the L-type Ca channels in the cocoon membrane, this being affected in Cd exposed embryos (Cd-Ca competition is well-known). In the present study, the embryotoxic mechanisms of Cd were studied via high-throughput gene expression for E. crypticus. Cocoons (1–2 days old), instead of the adult organism, were exposed in Cd spiked LUFA 2.2 soil during 1 day. Results showed that Cd affected Ca homeostasis which is implicated in several other molecular processes. Several of the major modulators of Cd toxicity (e.g., impaired gene expression, cell cycle arrest, DNA and mitochondrial damage) were identified in the embryos showing its relevancy as a model in ecotoxicogenomics. The draft Adverse Outcome Pathway was improved. Previously was hypothesized that gene regulation mechanisms were activated to synthesize more Ca channel proteins – this was confirmed here. Further, novel evidences were that, besides the extracellular competition, Cd competes intracellularly which causes a reduction in Ca efflux, and potentiates Cd embryotoxicity.

Original languageEnglish
JournalChemosphere
Volume212
Pages (from-to)87-94
Number of pages8
ISSN0045-6535
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2018

Keywords

  • Microarrays
  • Embryotoxicity
  • Adverse outcome pathway (AOP)
  • System toxicology
  • Soil
  • CADMIUM-INDUCED GENOTOXICITY
  • ALBIDUS OLIGOCHAETA
  • LIFE-CYCLE
  • CELL-CYCLE
  • ZEBRAFISH
  • REPRODUCTION
  • EXPOSURE
  • STRESS
  • METHYLATION
  • HOMEOSTASIS

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