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Kang YT, Yang WJ, Huang HC, Tang SC, Ko JL. Exposure to nickel chloride induces epigenetic modification on detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase M2. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1729-1736. [PMID: 38050843 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Nickel (Ni) is a human carcinogen with genotoxic and epigenotoxic effects. Environmental and occupational exposure to Ni increases the risk of cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Our previous findings indicate that Ni alters gene expression through epigenetic regulation, specifically impacting E-cadherin and angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration. GST-M2, a member of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme family, plays a crucial role in cellular defense against oxidative damage and has been increasingly associated with cancer. GST-M2 overexpression inhibits lung cancer invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Hypermethylation of its promoter in cancer cells reduces gene expression, correlating with poor prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The impact of Ni on GST-M2 remains unclear. We will investigate whether nickel exerts regulatory effects on GST-M2 through epigenetic modifications. Additionally, metformin, an antidiabetic drug, is being studied as a chemopreventive agent against nickel-induced damage. Our findings indicate that nickel chloride (NiCl2 ) exposure, both short-term and long-term, represses GST-M2 expression. However, the expression can be restored by demethylation agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and metformin. NiCl2 promotes hypermethylation of the GST-M2 promoter, as confirmed by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing. Additionally, NiCl2 also influences histone acetylation, and metformin counteracts the suppressive effect of NiCl2 on histone H3 expression. Metformin reestablishes the binding of specificity protein 1 to the GST-M2 promoter, which is otherwise disrupted by NiCl2 . These findings elucidate the mechanism by which Ni reduces GST-M2 expression and transcriptional activity, potentially contributing to Ni-induced lung carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Kang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jung Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Hsu Chih Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheau-Chung Tang
- Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Liang Ko
- Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Chest Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Bannon DI, Bao W, Turner SD, McCain WC, Dennis W, Wolfinger R, Perkins E, Abounader R. Gene expression in mouse muscle over time after nickel pellet implantation. Metallomics 2020; 12:528-538. [PMID: 32065191 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00289h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The transition metal nickel is used in a wide variety of alloys and medical devices. Nickel can cause a range of toxicities from allergy in humans to tumors when implanted in animals. Several microarray studies have examined nickel toxicity, but so far none have comprehensively profiled expression over an extended period. In this work, male mice were implanted with a single nickel pellet in the muscle of the right leg with the left leg used as a control. At 3 week intervals up to 12 months, nickel concentrations in bioflulids and microarrays of surrounding tissue were used to track gene expression patterns. Pellet biocorrosion resulted in varying levels of systemic nickel over time, with peaks of 600 μg L-1 in serum, while global gene expression was cyclical in nature with immune related genes topping the list of overexpressed genes. IPA and KEGG pathway analyses was used to attribute overall biological function to changes in gene expression levels, supported by GO enrichment analysis. IPA pathways identified sirtuin, mitochondria, and oxidative phosphorylation as top pathways, based predominantly on downregulated genes, whereas immune processes were associated with upregulated genes. Top KEGG pathways identified were lysosome, osteoclast differentiation, and phasgosome. Both pathway approaches identified common immune responses, as well as hypoxia, toll like receptor, and matrix metalloproteinases. Overall, pathway analysis identified a negative impact on energy metabolism, and a positive impact on immune function, in particular the acute phase response. Inside the cell the impacts were on mitochondria and lysosome. New pathways and genes responsive to nickel were identified from the large dataset in this study which represents the first long-term analysis of the effects of chronic nickel exposure on global gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond I Bannon
- U.S. Army Public Health Centre, Toxicology Directorate, 8988 Willoughby Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA.
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Nickel: Human Health and Environmental Toxicology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030679. [PMID: 31973020 PMCID: PMC7037090 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nickel is a transition element extensively distributed in the environment, air, water, and soil. It may derive from natural sources and anthropogenic activity. Although nickel is ubiquitous in the environment, its functional role as a trace element for animals and human beings has not been yet recognized. Environmental pollution from nickel may be due to industry, the use of liquid and solid fuels, as well as municipal and industrial waste. Nickel contact can cause a variety of side effects on human health, such as allergy, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, lung fibrosis, lung and nasal cancer. Although the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced toxicity are not yet clear, mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress are thought to have a primary and crucial role in the toxicity of this metal. Recently, researchers, trying to characterize the capability of nickel to induce cancer, have found out that epigenetic alterations induced by nickel exposure can perturb the genome. The purpose of this review is to describe the chemical features of nickel in human beings and the mechanisms of its toxicity. Furthermore, the attention is focused on strategies to remove nickel from the environment, such as phytoremediation and phytomining.
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Salemi R, Marconi A, Di Salvatore V, Franco S, Rapisarda V, Libra M. Epigenetic alterations and occupational exposure to benzene, fibers, and heavy metals associated with tumor development. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3366-3371. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Ma L, Bai Y, Pu H, Gou F, Dai M, Wang H, He J, Zheng T, Cheng N. Histone Methylation in Nickel-Smelting Industrial Workers. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26474320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140339]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nickel is an essential trace metal naturally found in the environment. It is also common in occupational settings, where it associates with various levels of both occupational and nonoccupational exposure In vitro studies have shown that nickel exposure can lead to intracellular accumulation of Ni2+, which has been associated with global decreases in DNA methylation, increases in chromatin condensation, reductions in H3K9me2, and elevated levels of H3K4me3. Histone modifications play an important role in modulating chromatin structure and gene expression. For example, tri-methylation of histone H3k4 has been found to be associated with transcriptional activation, and tri-methylation of H3k27 has been found to be associated with transcriptional repression. Aberrant histone modifications have been found to be associated with various human diseases, including cancer. The purpose of this work was to identify biomarkers for populations with occupational nickel exposure and to examine the relationship between histone methylation and nickel exposure. This may provide a scientific indicator of early health impairment and facilitate exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying cancer pathogenesis. METHODS One hundred and forty subjects with occupational exposure to Ni and 140 referents were recruited. H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylation levels were measured in subjects' blood cells. RESULTS H3K4me3 levels were found to be higher in nickel smelting workers (47.24±20.85) than in office workers (22.65±8.81; P = 0.000), while the opposite was found for levels of H3K27me3(nickel smelting workers, 13.88± 4.23; office workers, 20.67± 5.96; P = 0.000). H3K4me3 was positively (r = 0.267, P = 0.001) and H3K27 was negatively (r = -0.684, P = 0.000) associated with age and length of service in smelting workers. CONCLUSION This study indicated that occupational exposure to Ni is associated with alterations in levels of histone modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Yana Bai
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Hongquan Pu
- Workers' Hospital of Jinchuan Company, Jinchuan Group CO., LTD, Jinchang, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Faxiang Gou
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Min Dai
- Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Jie He
- Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tongzhang Zheng
- School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ning Cheng
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China; College of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China
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Histone Methylation in Nickel-Smelting Industrial Workers. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140339. [PMID: 26474320 PMCID: PMC4608576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nickel is an essential trace metal naturally found in the environment. It is also common in occupational settings, where it associates with various levels of both occupational and nonoccupational exposure In vitro studies have shown that nickel exposure can lead to intracellular accumulation of Ni2+, which has been associated with global decreases in DNA methylation, increases in chromatin condensation, reductions in H3K9me2, and elevated levels of H3K4me3. Histone modifications play an important role in modulating chromatin structure and gene expression. For example, tri-methylation of histone H3k4 has been found to be associated with transcriptional activation, and tri-methylation of H3k27 has been found to be associated with transcriptional repression. Aberrant histone modifications have been found to be associated with various human diseases, including cancer. The purpose of this work was to identify biomarkers for populations with occupational nickel exposure and to examine the relationship between histone methylation and nickel exposure. This may provide a scientific indicator of early health impairment and facilitate exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying cancer pathogenesis. Methods One hundred and forty subjects with occupational exposure to Ni and 140 referents were recruited. H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylation levels were measured in subjects’ blood cells. Results H3K4me3 levels were found to be higher in nickel smelting workers (47.24±20.85) than in office workers (22.65±8.81; P = 0.000), while the opposite was found for levels of H3K27me3(nickel smelting workers, 13.88± 4.23; office workers, 20.67± 5.96; P = 0.000). H3K4me3 was positively (r = 0.267, P = 0.001) and H3K27 was negatively (r = -0.684, P = 0.000) associated with age and length of service in smelting workers. Conclusion This study indicated that occupational exposure to Ni is associated with alterations in levels of histone modification.
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Ryu HW, Lee DH, Won HR, Kim KH, Seong YJ, Kwon SH. Influence of toxicologically relevant metals on human epigenetic regulation. Toxicol Res 2015; 31:1-9. [PMID: 25874027 PMCID: PMC4395649 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2015.31.1.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental toxicants such as toxic metals can alter epigenetic regulatory features such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression. Heavy metals influence gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms and by directly binding to various metal response elements in the target gene promoters. Given the role of epigenetic alterations in regulating genes, there is potential for the integration of toxic metal-induced epigenetic alterations as informative factors in the risk assessment process. Here, we focus on recent advances in understanding epigenetic changes, gene expression, and biological effects induced by toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Wook Ryu
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hye-Rim Won
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwan Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Seong
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - So Hee Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
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Cheng TF, Choudhuri S, Muldoon-Jacobs K. Epigenetic targets of some toxicologically relevant metals: a review of the literature. J Appl Toxicol 2012; 32:643-53. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsu-Fan Cheng
- US Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Division of Food Contact Notification; College Park; MD; USA
| | - Supratim Choudhuri
- US Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Division of Biotechnology and GRAS Notice Review; College Park; MD; USA
| | - Kristi Muldoon-Jacobs
- US Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Division of Food Contact Notification; College Park; MD; USA
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Aquino NB, Sevigny MB, Sabangan J, Louie MC. The role of cadmium and nickel in estrogen receptor signaling and breast cancer: metalloestrogens or not? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2012; 30:189-224. [PMID: 22970719 PMCID: PMC3476837 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2012.705159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
During the past half-century, incidences of breast cancer have increased globally. Various factors--genetic and environmental--have been implicated in the initiation and progression of this disease. One potential environmental risk factor that has not received a lot of attention is the exposure to heavy metals. While several mechanisms have been put forth describing how high concentrations of heavy metals play a role in carcinogenesis, it is unclear whether chronic, low-level exposure to certain heavy metals (i.e., cadmium and nickel) can directly result in the development and progression of cancer. Cadmium and nickel have been hypothesized to play a role in breast cancer development by acting as metalloestrogens--metals that bind to estrogen receptors and mimic the actions of estrogen. Since the lifetime exposure to estrogen is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, anything that mimics its activity will likely contribute to the etiology of the disease. However, heavy metals, depending on their concentration, are capable of binding to a variety of proteins and may exert their toxicities by disrupting multiple cellular functions, complicating the analysis of whether heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis is mediated by the estrogen receptor. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro studies that show a link between the heavy metals, cadmium and nickel, and breast cancer development. We will particularly focus on the studies that test whether these two metals act as metalloestrogens in order to assess the strength of the data supporting this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie B. Aquino
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dominican University of California, San Rafael CA 94901
| | - Mary B. Sevigny
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dominican University of California, San Rafael CA 94901
| | - Jackielyn Sabangan
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dominican University of California, San Rafael CA 94901
| | - Maggie C. Louie
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dominican University of California, San Rafael CA 94901
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Fragou D, Fragou A, Kouidou S, Njau S, Kovatsi L. Epigenetic mechanisms in metal toxicity. Toxicol Mech Methods 2011; 21:343-52. [DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2011.557878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Chen H, Kluz T, Zhang R, Costa M. Hypoxia and nickel inhibit histone demethylase JMJD1A and repress Spry2 expression in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Carcinogenesis 2010; 31:2136-44. [PMID: 20881000 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgq197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes commonly occurs in human cancers via increasing DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications at gene promoters. However, little is known about how pathogenic environmental factors contribute to cancer development by affecting epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Previously, we reported that both hypoxia and nickel (an environmental carcinogen) increased global histone H3 lysine 9 methylation in cells through inhibiting a novel class of iron- and α-ketoglutarate-dependent histone demethylases. Here, we investigated whether inhibition of histone demethylase JMJD1A by hypoxia and nickel could lead to repression/silencing of JMJD1A-targeted gene(s). By using Affymetrix GeneChip and ChIP-on-chip technologies, we identified Spry2 gene, a key regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, as one of the JMJD1A-targeted genes in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Both hypoxia and nickel exposure increased the level of H3K9me2 at the Spry2 promoter by inhibiting JMJD1A, which probably led to a decreased expression of Spry2 in BEAS-2B cells. Repression of Spry2 potentiated the nickel-induced ERK phosphorylation, and forced expression of Spry2 in BEAS-2B cells decreased the nickel-induced ERK phosphorylation and significantly suppressed nickel-induced anchorage-independent growth. Taken together, our results suggest that histone demethylases could be targets of environmental carcinogens and their inhibition may lead to altered gene expression and eventually carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University of School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Chen H, Giri NC, Zhang R, Yamane K, Zhang Y, Maroney M, Costa M. Nickel ions inhibit histone demethylase JMJD1A and DNA repair enzyme ABH2 by replacing the ferrous iron in the catalytic centers. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:7374-83. [PMID: 20042601 PMCID: PMC2844186 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.058503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases are a diverse family of non-heme iron enzymes that catalyze various important oxidations in cells. A key structural motif of these dioxygenases is a facial triad of 2-histidines-1-carboxylate that coordinates the Fe(II) at the catalytic site. Using histone demethylase JMJD1A and DNA repair enzyme ABH2 as examples, we show that this family of dioxygenases is highly sensitive to inhibition by carcinogenic nickel ions. We find that, with iron, the 50% inhibitory concentrations of nickel (IC(50) [Ni(II)]) are 25 microm for JMJD1A and 7.5 microm for ABH2. Without iron, JMJD1A is 10 times more sensitive to nickel inhibition with an IC(50) [Ni(II)] of 2.5 microm, and approximately one molecule of Ni(II) inhibits one molecule of JMJD1A, suggesting that nickel causes inhibition by replacing the iron. Furthermore, nickel-bound JMJD1A is not reactivated by excessive iron even up to a 2 mm concentration. Using x-ray absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrate that nickel binds to the same site in ABH2 as iron, and replacement of the iron by nickel does not prevent the binding of the cofactor 2-oxoglutarate. Finally, we show that nickel ions target and inhibit JMJD1A in intact cells, and disruption of the iron-binding site decreases binding of nickel ions to ABH2 in intact cells. Together, our results reveal that the members of this dioxygenase family are specific targets for nickel ions in cells. Inhibition of these dioxygenases by nickel is likely to have widespread impacts on cells (e.g. impaired epigenetic programs and DNA repair) and may eventually lead to cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Chen
- From the Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University of School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016
| | - Nitai Charan Giri
- the Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002, and
| | - Ronghe Zhang
- From the Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University of School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016
| | - Kenichi Yamane
- the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Yi Zhang
- the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael Maroney
- the Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002, and
| | - Max Costa
- From the Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University of School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016
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Salnikow K, Zhitkovich A. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in metal carcinogenesis and cocarcinogenesis: nickel, arsenic, and chromium. Chem Res Toxicol 2008; 21:28-44. [PMID: 17970581 PMCID: PMC2602826 DOI: 10.1021/tx700198a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 554] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to nickel(II), chromium(VI), or inorganic arsenic (iAs) has long been known to increase cancer incidence among affected individuals. Recent epidemiological studies have found that carcinogenic risks associated with chromate and iAs exposures were substantially higher than previously thought, which led to major revisions of the federal standards regulating ambient and drinking water levels. Genotoxic effects of Cr(VI) and iAs are strongly influenced by their intracellular metabolism, which creates several reactive intermediates and byproducts. Toxic metals are capable of potent and surprisingly selective activation of stress-signaling pathways, which are known to contribute to the development of human cancers. Depending on the metal, ascorbate (vitamin C) has been found to act either as a strong enhancer or suppressor of toxic responses in human cells. In addition to genetic damage via both oxidative and nonoxidative (DNA adducts) mechanisms, metals can also cause significant changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications, leading to epigenetic silencing or reactivation of gene expression. In vitro genotoxicity experiments and recent animal carcinogenicity studies provided strong support for the idea that metals can act as cocarcinogens in combination with nonmetal carcinogens. Cocarcinogenic and comutagenic effects of metals are likely to stem from their ability to interfere with DNA repair processes. Overall, metal carcinogenesis appears to require the formation of specific metal complexes, chromosomal damage, and activation of signal transduction pathways promoting survival and expansion of genetically/epigenetically altered cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Salnikow
- Konstantin Salnikow, National Cancer Institute, Bldg. 538, Room 205 E, Frederick, MD 21702, Phone: 301-846-5623, Fax: 301-846-5946, E-mail:
| | - Anatoly Zhitkovich
- Anatoly Zhitkovich, Brown University, Center for Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 70 Ship Street, Providence RI 02912, Phone: 401-863-2912, Fax: 401-863-9008, E-mail:
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Abstract
Nickel is a widely distributed metal that is industrially applied in many forms. Accumulated epidemiological evidence confirms that exposures to nickel compounds are associated with increased nasal and lung cancer incidence, both in mostly occupational exposures. Although the molecular mechanisms by which nickel compounds cause cancer are still under intense investigation, the carcinogenic actions of nickel compounds are thought to involve oxidative stress, genomic DNA damage, epigenetic effects, and the regulation of gene expression by activation of certain transcription factors related to corresponding signal transduction pathways. The present review summarizes our current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of nickel carcinogenesis, with special emphasis on the role of nickel induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitian Lu
- Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, New York University, Tuxedo, New York 10987, USA
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Abstract
The roles of genetic constitution versus environmental factors in cancer development have been a matter of debate even long before the discovery of 'oncogenes'. Evidence from epidemiological, occupational and migration studies has consistently pointed to environmental factors as the major contributing factors to cancer, so it seems reasonable to discuss the importance of chemical carcinogenesis in the present 'age of cancer genetics'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Luch
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Center for Cancer Research, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E17-132, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02319, USA.
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Waalkes MP, Liu J, Kasprzak KS, Diwan BA. Minimal influence of metallothionein over-expression on nickel carcinogenesis in mice. Toxicol Lett 2004; 153:357-64. [PMID: 15454311 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2004.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2004] [Revised: 06/14/2004] [Accepted: 06/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) is a metal-binding protein associated with tolerance to metals and oxidative stress. Nickel is a metal carcinogen potentially acting through oxidative attack on critical biomolecules. We investigated the role of MT in nickel carcinogenesis using MT-transgenic mice that constitutively over-express MT-I in all tissues tested. Groups of 25 male MT-transgenic and wild type (C57BL/6; WT) mice received intramuscular injections of nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) in both thighs at doses of 0 (control), 0.5, or 1.0 mg/site at 12 weeks of age and were observed for 104 weeks. Injection site tumors (ISTs; primarily fibrosarcomas) started occurring 45 weeks after nickel injection and IST incidence was similar in the WT (control - 0%, 0.5 mg/site - 20%, 1.0 mg/site - 40%) and MT-transgenic mice (control - 0%, 0.5mg/site - 28%, 1.0mg/site - 29%.). At the 0.5 mg/site dose the average time to IST in MT-transgenic mice was approximately 13 weeks shorter than in WT mice. Spontaneous lung tumors developed in 25% of control WT mice but none developed in control MT-transgenic mice. A nickel dose-related trend for increased lung tumors occurred in MT-transgenic mice but not in WT mice. Thus, the over-expression of MT did not significantly mitigate the carcinogenic response to nickel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Waalkes
- Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, Inorganic Carcinogenesis Section, National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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