Davide Gualandris, Davide Rotondo, Candida Lorusso, Antonietta La Terza, Antonio Calisi, Francesco Dondero
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Metallothioneins are multifunctional proteins implicated in various cellular processes. They have been used as biomarkers of heavy metal exposure and contamination due to their intrinsic ability to bind heavy metals and their transcriptional response to both physiological and noxious metal ions such as cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of iron and reactive oxygen species (ROSs) in the induction of the metallothionein system (Mtt) in the ciliate protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. We investigated the relative mRNA abundances of the metallothionein genes Mtt1, Mtt2/4, and Mtt5, revealing for the first time their responsiveness to iron exposure. Furthermore, by using inhibitors of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), alone or in combination with iron, we highlighted the roles of superoxide ion and endogenous hydrogen peroxide, as well as the complex interplay between the metal and ROSs. These results enhance our understanding of the metallothionein system in ciliates and suggest that ROSs may be a primary evolutionary driver for the selection of these proteins in nature.
ToxicsChemical Engineering-Chemical Health and Safety
CiteScore
4.50
自引率
10.90%
发文量
681
审稿时长
6 weeks
期刊介绍:
The Journal accepts papers describing work that furthers our understanding of the exposure, effects, and risks of chemicals and materials in humans and the natural environment as well as approaches to assess and/or manage the toxicological and ecotoxicological risks of chemicals and materials. The journal covers a wide range of toxic substances, including metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, biocides, nanomaterials, and polymers such as micro- and mesoplastics. Toxics accepts papers covering:
The occurrence, transport, and fate of chemicals and materials in different systems (e.g., food, air, water, soil);
Exposure of humans and the environment to toxic chemicals and materials as well as modelling and experimental approaches for characterizing the exposure in, e.g., water, air, soil, food, and consumer products;
Uptake, metabolism, and effects of chemicals and materials in a wide range of systems including in-vitro toxicological assays, aquatic and terrestrial organisms and ecosystems, model mammalian systems, and humans;
Approaches to assess the risks of chemicals and materials to humans and the environment;
Methodologies to eliminate or reduce the exposure of humans and the environment to toxic chemicals and materials.