RRC ID 84057
Author Huang X, Ye Q, Dai W, Zheng J, Li Y, Wang C, Luo Z, Yang J, Zhuo W, Wan QL.
Title Cadmium exposure induces multigenerational inheritance of germ cell apoptosis and fertility suppression in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Journal Environ Int
Abstract Cadmium is a significant environmental pollutant that poses a substantial health hazard to humans due to its propensity to accumulate in the body and resist excretion. We have a comprehensive understanding of the damage caused by Cd exposure and the mechanisms of tolerance, however, the intricate mechanisms underlying multigenerational effects resulting from Cd exposure remain poorly understood. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans were used as a model organism to investigate Cd-induced multigenerational effects and its association with epigenetic modifications. The results showed that Cd exposure leads to an increase in germ cell apoptosis and a decrease in fertility, which can be passed down to subsequent generations. Further analysis revealed that transcription factors DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf2 play essential roles in responding to Cd exposure and in the transgenerational induction of germ cell apoptosis. Additionally, histone H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) marks stress-responsive genes and enhances their transcription, ultimately triggering multigenerational germ cell apoptosis. This study provides compelling evidence that the detrimental effects of Cd on the reproductive system can be inherited across generations. These findings enhance our understanding of the multigenerational effects of environmental pollutants and may inform strategies for the prevention and control of such pollutants.
Volume 191
Pages 108952
Published 2024-9-1
DOI 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108952
PII S0160-4120(24)00538-5
PMID 39159515
MeSH Animals Apoptosis* / drug effects Cadmium* / toxicity Caenorhabditis elegans* / drug effects Caenorhabditis elegans* / genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins* / genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins* / metabolism Environmental Pollutants / toxicity Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects Fertility* / drug effects Germ Cells* / drug effects Transcription Factors / genetics Transcription Factors / metabolism
Resource
C.elegans tm1200 tm1860 tm1726 tm6887