Multigenerational effects of cadmium on the lifespan and fertility of Drosophila melanogaster. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Xingran; Han, Yan; Mu, Yun; Yang, Pingping; Gu, Wei; Zhang, Min
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 245(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Multigenerational effect -- Cadmium -- Drosophila melanogaster -- Lifespan -- Epigenetic regulation; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Although the damage and tolerance mechanisms of Cd stress are known, the data on genetic risk are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the chronic toxicity of Cd, genetic responses, and multigenerational effects in five generations of Drosophila melanogaster . For each generation, lifespan and fertility were statistically analysed and the expression of apoptosis- ( p53 and caspase-3 ) and epigenesis-related ( dDnmt2 and dMBD2/3 ) genes was examined. Lifespan and fertility significantly declined under Cd stress and these effects were maintained for two generations and one generation, respectively, when Cd stress was removed. The expression of p53 and caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated after exposure, suggesting that apoptosis contributes to the resistance mechanism. Their altered expression was retained for two generations. Furthermore, high expression of dDnmt2 and dMBD2/3 accompanied Cd exposure, which was passed on to three generations, suggesting that genetic modifications in apoptosis-related genes are carried to the offspring through epigenetic regulation. Highlights: Lifespan and fertility of D. melanogaster significantly declined under Cd stress. Expression of apoptosis- and epigenesis-related genes was upregulated after Cd exposure. Effects of Cd stress were transmitted to the offspring after Cd stress removal. Multigenerational effects induced by Cd may be through the epigenetic pathways in D. melanogaster .