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Arrokhman S, Luo YH, Lin P. Additive cardiotoxicity of a bisphenol mixture in zebrafish embryos: The involvement of calcium channel and pump. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115225. [PMID: 37418940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs, such as bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol AF (BPAF), and bisphenol B (BPB), are often simultaneously detected in environmental and human specimens. Thus, assessing the toxicity of bisphenol (BP) mixtures is more relevant than assessing that of each BP type. Here, we found that BPs, individually or in a mixture, concentration-dependently and additively increased the mortality of zebrafish embryos (ZFEs) at 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and induced bradycardia (i.e., reduced heart rate) at 48 hpf, indicating their cardiotoxic potency. BPAF was the most potent, followed by BPB, BPA, and BPF. We then explored the mechanism underlying BP-induced bradycardia in ZFEs. Although BPs increased the mRNA expression of the estrogen-responsive gene, treatment with the estrogen receptor inhibitor ICI 182780 did not prevent BP-induced bradycardia. Because they did not change cardiomyocyte counts or heart development-related gene expression, BPs might not affect cardiomyocyte development. By contrast, BPs might impair calcium homeostasis during cardiac contraction and relaxation through the downregulation of the expression of the mRNAs for the pore-forming subunit of L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC; cacna1c) and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA; atp2a2a). BPs reduced SERCA activity significantly. BPs also potentiated the cardiotoxicity induced by the LTCC blocker nisoldipine, conceivably by inhibiting SERCA activity. In conclusion, BPs additively induced bradycardia in ZFEs, possibly by impeding calcium homeostasis during cardiac contraction and relaxation. BPs also potentiated the cardiotoxicity of calcium channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Arrokhman
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsia Luo
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan
| | - Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan.
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2
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Luo Q, Ai L, Tang S, Zhang H, Ma J, Xiao X, Zhong K, Tian G, Cheng B, Xiong C, Chen X, Lu H. Developmental and cardiac toxicity assessment of Ethyl 3-(N-butylacetamido) propanoate (EBAAP) in zebrafish embryos. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106572. [PMID: 37307698 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ethyl 3-(N-butylacetamido) propanoate (EBAAP) is one of the most widely used mosquito repellents worldwide, and is also commonly used to produce cosmetics. Residues have recently been detected in surface and groundwater in many countries, and their potential to harm the environment is unknown. Therefore, more studies are needed to fully assess the toxicity of EBAAP. This is the first investigation into the developmental toxicity and cardiotoxicity of EBAAP on zebrafish embryos. EBAAP was toxic to zebrafish, with a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 140 mg/L at 72 hours post fertilization (hpf). EBAAP exposure also reduced body length, slowed the yolk absorption rate, induced spinal curvature and pericardial edema, decreased heart rate, promoted linear lengthening of the heart, and diminished cardiac pumping ability. The expression of heart developmental-related genes (nkx2.5, myh6, tbx5a, vmhc, gata4, tbx2b) was dysregulated, intracellular oxidative stress increased significantly, the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased significantly. The expression of apoptosis-related genes (bax/bcl2, p53, caspase9, caspase3) was significantly upregulated. In conclusion, EBAAP induced abnormal morphology and heart defects during the early stages of zebrafish embryo development by potentially inducing the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo and activating the oxidative stress response. These events dysregulate the expression of several genes and activate endogenous apoptosis pathways, eventually leading to developmental disorders and heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Luo
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liping Ai
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shuqiong Tang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jinze Ma
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoping Xiao
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China; Provincial Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Solid Waste Recycling, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Keyuan Zhong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China; Provincial Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Solid Waste Recycling, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guiyou Tian
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Cong Xiong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaobei Chen
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China.
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An G, Kim M, Park J, Park H, Hong T, Lim W, Song G. Embryonic exposure to chloroxylenol induces developmental defects and cardiovascular toxicity via oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 268:109617. [PMID: 36965842 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Chloroxylenol is an extensively consumed anti-microbial compound. Since its usage is on the rise due to the coronavirus pandemic and ban on other antimicrobial ingredients, recent studies have suggested the necessity of estimating its potential for ecotoxicity. The detrimental effect of chloroxylenol on zebrafish (Danio rerio) viability has been reported; however, research on the mechanisms underlying its toxicity is quite limited. Therefore, we applied the zebrafish model for elucidating responses against chloroxylenol to predict its toxicity toward human health and ecology. Zebrafish exposed to chloroxylenol (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L) at the embryonic stage (from 6 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf) showed impaired viability and hatchability, and pathological phenotypes. To address these abnormalities, cellular responses such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were confirmed via in vivo imaging of a fluorescent dye or measurement of the transcriptional changes related to each response. In particular, developmental defects in the cardiovascular system of zebrafish exposed to 0, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 mg/L of chloroxylenol from 6 to 96 hpf were identified by structural analyses of the system in the flk1:eGFP transgenic line. Additional experiments were conducted using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to predict the adverse impacts of chloroxylenol on the human vascular system. Chloroxylenol impairs the viability and tube formation ability of HUVECs by modulating ERK signaling. The findings obtained using the zebrafish model provide evidence of the possible risks of chloroxylenol exposure and suggest the importance of more in-depth ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garam An
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Miji Kim
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Park
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hahyun Park
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Causal biological network models for reactive astrogliosis: a systems approach to neuroinflammation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4205. [PMID: 35273209 PMCID: PMC8913664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a central role in the neuroimmune response by responding to CNS pathologies with diverse molecular and morphological changes during the process of reactive astrogliosis. Here, we used a computational biological network model and mathematical algorithms that allow the interpretation of high-throughput transcriptomic datasets in the context of known biology to study reactive astrogliosis. We gathered available mechanistic information from the literature into a comprehensive causal biological network (CBN) model of astrocyte reactivity. The CBN model was built in the Biological Expression Language, which is both human-readable and computable. We characterized the CBN with a network analysis of highly connected nodes and demonstrated that the CBN captures relevant astrocyte biology. Subsequently, we used the CBN and transcriptomic data to identify key molecular pathways driving the astrocyte phenotype in four CNS pathologies: samples from mouse models of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and samples from multiple sclerosis patients. The astrocyte CBN provides a new tool to identify causal mechanisms and quantify astrogliosis based on transcriptomic data.
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Ramšak Ž, Modic V, Li RA, vom Berg C, Zupanic A. From Causal Networks to Adverse Outcome Pathways: A Developmental Neurotoxicity Case Study. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:815754. [PMID: 35295214 PMCID: PMC8915909 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.815754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen the adverse outcome pathways (AOP) framework become one of the most powerful tools in chemical risk assessment, but the development of new AOPs remains a slow and manually intensive process. Here, we present a faster approach for AOP generation, based on manually curated causal toxicological networks. As a case study, we took a recently published zebrafish developmental neurotoxicity network, which contains causally connected molecular events leading to neuropathologies, and developed two new adverse outcome pathways: Inhibition of Fyna (Src family tyrosine kinase A) leading to increased mortality via decreased eye size (AOP 399 on AOP-Wiki) and GSK3beta (Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) inactivation leading to increased mortality via defects in developing inner ear (AOP 410). The approach consists of an automatic separation of the toxicological network into candidate AOPs, filtering the AOPs according to available evidence and length as well as manual development of new AOPs and weight-of-evidence evaluation. The semiautomatic approach described here provides a new opportunity for fast and straightforward AOP development based on large network resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Živa Ramšak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vid Modic
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman A. Li
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag—Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Colette vom Berg
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag—Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Anze Zupanic
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Anze Zupanic,
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Reinwald H, Alvincz J, Salinas G, Schäfers C, Hollert H, Eilebrecht S. Toxicogenomic profiling after sublethal exposure to nerve- and muscle-targeting insecticides reveals cardiac and neuronal developmental effects in zebrafish embryos. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132746. [PMID: 34748799 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For specific primary modes of action (MoA) in environmental non-target organisms, EU legislation restricts the usage of active substances of pesticides or biocides. Corresponding regulatory hazard assessments are costly, time consuming and require large numbers of non-human animal studies. Currently, predictive toxicology of development compounds relies on their chemical structure and provides little insights into toxicity mechanisms that precede adverse effects. Using the zebrafish embryo model, we characterized transcriptomic responses to a range of sublethal concentrations of six nerve- and muscle-targeting insecticides with different MoA (abamectin, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, imidacloprid & methoxychlor). Our aim was to identify affected biological processes and suitable biomarker candidates for MoA-specific signatures. Abamectin showed the most divergent signature among the tested insecticides, linked to lipid metabolic processes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after imidacloprid exposure were primarily associated with immune system and inflammation. In total, 222 early responsive genes to either MoA were identified, many related to three major processes: (1) cardiac muscle cell development and functioning (tcap, desma, bag3, hspb1, hspb8, flnca, myoz3a, mybpc2b, actc2, tnnt2c), (2) oxygen transport and hypoxic stress (alas2, hbbe1.1, hbbe1.3, hbbe2, hbae3, igfbp1a, hif1al) and (3) neuronal development and plasticity (npas4a, egr1, btg2, ier2a, vgf). The thyroidal function related gene dio3b was upregulated by chlorpyrifos and downregulated by higher abamectin concentrations. Important regulatory genes for cardiac muscle (tcap) and forebrain development (npas4a) were the most frequently ifferentially expressed across all insecticide treatments. We consider the identified gene sets as useful early warning biomarker candidates, i.e. for developmental toxicity targeting heart and brain in aquatic vertebrates. Our findings provide a better understanding about early molecular events in response to the analyzed MoA. Perceptively, this promotes the development for sensitive and informative biomarker-based in vitro assays for toxicological MoA prediction and AOP refinement, without the suffering of adult fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Reinwald
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Alvincz
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS-Services for Integrative Genomics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schäfers
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Eilebrecht
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany.
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Causal Biological Network Model for Inflammasome Signaling Applied for Interpreting Transcriptomic Changes in Various Inflammatory States. Int J Inflam 2022; 2022:4071472. [PMID: 35126992 PMCID: PMC8813300 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4071472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtually any stressor that alters the cellular homeostatic state may result in an inflammatory response. As a critical component of innate immunity, inflammasomes play a prominent role in the inflammatory response. The information on inflammasome biology is rapidly growing, thus creating the need for structuring it into a model that can help visualize and enhance the understanding of underlying biological processes. Causal biological network (CBN) models provide predictive power for novel disease mechanisms and treatment outcomes. We assembled the available literature information on inflammasome activation into the CBN model and scored it with publicly available transcriptomic datasets that address viral infection of the lungs, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and aging. The scoring inferred pathway activation leading to NLRP3 inflammasome activation in these diverse conditions, demonstrating that the CBN model provides a platform for interpreting transcriptomic data in the context of inflammasome activation.
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Zhang Y, Xia Q, Wang J, Zhuang K, Jin H, Liu K. Progress in using zebrafish as a toxicological model for traditional Chinese medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 282:114638. [PMID: 34530096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been applied for more than 2000 years. However, modern basic research on the safety of TCMs is limited. Establishing safety evaluation technology in line with the characteristics of TCM and conducting large-scale basic toxicity research are keys to comprehensively understand the toxicity of TCMs. In recent years, zebrafish has been used as a model organism for toxicity assessment and is increasingly utilized for toxicity research of TCMs. Yet, a comprehensive review in using zebrafish as a toxicological model for TCMs is lacked. AIM OF THE STUDY We aim to summarize the progress and limitation in toxicity evaluation of TCMs using zebrafish and put forward the future research ideas. MATERIALS AND METHODS The scientific databases, including Springer, Science Direct, Wiley, Pubmed and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI) were searched using the key words of zebrafish, toxicology, traditional Chinese medicine, acute toxicity, liver injury, cardiotoxicity, kidney toxicity, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal irritation, immunotoxicity, ototoxicity, and osteotoxicity. RESULTS Zebrafish assays are low experimental cost and short cycle, easily achieving high-throughput toxicity screening, and exemption from ethical legislation up to 5 dpf. It has been widely used to evaluate the acute toxicity, liver toxicity, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal irritation, immunotoxicity, and ototoxicity caused by TCMs, although some physiological difference limited its application. CONCLUSIONS Zebrafish is a powerful model for TCMs toxicity evaluation, but it is not flawless. The toxicity testing criterion and high throughput assays are urgent to be established. This review provides references for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Jiabo Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyan Zhuang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Hongtao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Jinan, China.
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Shankar P, McClure RS, Waters KM, Tanguay RL. Gene co-expression network analysis in zebrafish reveals chemical class specific modules. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:658. [PMID: 34517816 PMCID: PMC8438978 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish is a popular animal model used for high-throughput screening of chemical hazards, however, investigations of transcriptomic mechanisms of toxicity are still needed. Here, our goal was to identify genes and biological pathways that Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor 2 (AHR2) Activators and flame retardant chemicals (FRCs) alter in developing zebrafish. Taking advantage of a compendium of phenotypically-anchored RNA sequencing data collected from 48-h post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish, we inferred a co-expression network that grouped genes based on their transcriptional response. RESULTS Genes responding to the FRCs and AHR2 Activators localized to distinct regions of the network, with FRCs inducing a broader response related to neurobehavior. AHR2 Activators centered in one region related to chemical stress responses. We also discovered several highly co-expressed genes in this module, including cyp1a, and we subsequently show that these genes are definitively within the AHR2 signaling pathway. Systematic removal of the two chemical types from the data, and analysis of network changes identified neurogenesis associated with FRCs, and regulation of vascular development associated with both chemical classes. We also identified highly connected genes responding specifically to each class that are potential biomarkers of exposure. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we created the first zebrafish chemical-specific gene co-expression network illuminating how chemicals alter the transcriptome relative to each other. In addition to our conclusions regarding FRCs and AHR2 Activators, our network can be leveraged by other studies investigating chemical mechanisms of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Shankar
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, 28645 East Highway 34, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Ryan S McClure
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific National Northwest Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Katrina M Waters
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, 28645 East Highway 34, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.,Biological Sciences Division, Pacific National Northwest Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, 28645 East Highway 34, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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Li RA, Talikka M, Gubian S, Vom Berg C, Martin F, Peitsch MC, Hoeng J, Zupanic A. Systems Toxicology Approach for Assessing Developmental Neurotoxicity in Larval Zebrafish. Front Genet 2021; 12:652632. [PMID: 34211495 PMCID: PMC8239408 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.652632] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse outcomes that result from chemical toxicity are rarely caused by dysregulation of individual proteins; rather, they are often caused by system-level perturbations in networks of molecular events. To fully understand the mechanisms of toxicity, it is necessary to recognize the interactions of molecules, pathways, and biological processes within these networks. The developing brain is a prime example of an extremely complex network, which makes developmental neurotoxicity one of the most challenging areas in toxicology. We have developed a systems toxicology method that uses a computable biological network to represent molecular interactions in the developing brain of zebrafish larvae. The network is curated from scientific literature and describes interactions between biological processes, signaling pathways, and adverse outcomes associated with neurotoxicity. This allows us to identify important signaling hubs, pathway interactions, and emergent adverse outcomes, providing a more complete understanding of neurotoxicity. Here, we describe the construction of a zebrafish developmental neurotoxicity network and its validation by integration with publicly available neurotoxicity-related transcriptomic datasets. Our network analysis identified consistent regulation of tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) as well as the oncogene Krüppel-like factor (Klf8) in response to chemically induced developmental neurotoxicity. The developed network can be used to interpret transcriptomic data in a neurotoxicological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Li
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Marja Talikka
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Gubian
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian Martin
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia Hoeng
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anze Zupanic
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Fitzgerald JA, Könemann S, Krümpelmann L, Županič A, Vom Berg C. Approaches to Test the Neurotoxicity of Environmental Contaminants in the Zebrafish Model: From Behavior to Molecular Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:989-1006. [PMID: 33270929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of neuroactive chemicals in the aquatic environment is on the rise and poses a potential threat to aquatic biota of currently unpredictable outcome. In particular, subtle changes caused by these chemicals to an organism's sensation or behavior are difficult to tackle with current test systems that focus on rodents or with in vitro test systems that omit whole-animal responses. In recent years, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a popular model organism for toxicological studies and testing strategies, such as the standardized use of zebrafish early life stages in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's guideline 236. In terms of neurotoxicity, the zebrafish provides a powerful model to investigate changes to the nervous system from several different angles, offering the ability to tackle the mechanisms of action of chemicals in detail. The mechanistic understanding gained through the analysis of this model species provides a good basic knowledge of how neuroactive chemicals might interact with a teleost nervous system. Such information can help infer potential effects occurring to other species exposed to neuroactive chemicals in their aquatic environment and predicting potential risks of a chemical for the aquatic ecosystem. In the present article, we highlight approaches ranging from behavioral to structural, functional, and molecular analysis of the larval zebrafish nervous system, providing a holistic view of potential neurotoxic outcomes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:989-1006. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Fitzgerald
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Könemann
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- EPF Lausanne, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Krümpelmann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anže Županič
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Colette Vom Berg
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
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Tian J, Hu J, Liu D, Yin J, Chen M, Zhou L, Yin H. Cadmium chloride-induced transgenerational neurotoxicity in zebrafish development. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:103545. [PMID: 33171223 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As an important environmental pollutant, the heavy metal cadmium has a significant negative impact on the stability of the ecological environment and on organismal health. Previous studies have shown that cadmium chloride can damage the nervous, skeletal, endocrine, and reproductive systems, but to our knowledge, the effects of cadmium on the behavior, neurotransmitter levels, and neuronal development in the offspring of exposed animals have not been reported. In the present study, sexually-mature zebrafish were exposed to cadmium chloride at different concentrations for 60 days, and in this background, behavior, neurotransmitters level, neuro-development and neurotransmitter metabolism was investigated in the F1 offspring. The results showed that exposure of the parental zebrafish to cadmium chloride resulted swimming speed and distance of F1 offspring significantly reduced; the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine is disrupted. neuro-development and neurotransmitter metabolism related genes expression pattern was altered, which cause zebrafish F1 offspring developmental neurotoxicity. These findings provide further insights into the harm posed by cadmium chloride to the aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Tian
- Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China; CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, PR China
| | - Jia Hu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Di Liu
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, PR China
| | - Jian Yin
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, PR China
| | - Mingli Chen
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, PR China
| | - Lianqun Zhou
- Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China; CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, PR China.
| | - Huancai Yin
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, PR China.
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