Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic, nonessential transition metal and contributes a health risk to humans, including various cancers and cardiovascular diseases; however, underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Cells transmit information to the next generation via two distinct ways: genetic and epigenetic. Chemical modifications to DNA or histone that alters the structure of chromatin without change of DNA nucleotide sequence are known as epigenetics. These heritable epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histone tails (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, etc), and higher order packaging of DNA around nucleosomes. Apart from DNA methyltransferases, histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferase, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase, and microRNAs (miRNAs) all involve in these epigenetic changes. Recent studies indicate that Cd is able to induce various epigenetic changes in plant and mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Since aberrant epigenetics plays a critical role in the development of various cancers and chronic diseases, Cd may cause the above-mentioned pathogenic risks via epigenetic mechanisms. Here we review the in vitro and in vivo evidence of epigenetic effects of Cd. The available findings indicate that epigenetics occurred in association with Cd induction of malignant transformation of cells and pathological proliferation of tissues, suggesting that epigenetic effects may play a role in Cd toxic, particularly carcinogenic effects. The future of environmental epigenomic research on Cd should include the role of epigenetics in determining long-term and late-onset health effects following Cd exposure.
Keywords: Cadmium, DNA methylation, histone modification, DNA methyltransferases, epigenetics, microRNA, toxic, molecular mechanisms, genetic, epigenetic
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Cadmium and Its Epigenetic Effects
Volume: 19 Issue: 16
Author(s): B. Wang, Y. Li, C. Shao, Y. Tan and L. Cai
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cadmium, DNA methylation, histone modification, DNA methyltransferases, epigenetics, microRNA, toxic, molecular mechanisms, genetic, epigenetic
Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic, nonessential transition metal and contributes a health risk to humans, including various cancers and cardiovascular diseases; however, underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Cells transmit information to the next generation via two distinct ways: genetic and epigenetic. Chemical modifications to DNA or histone that alters the structure of chromatin without change of DNA nucleotide sequence are known as epigenetics. These heritable epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histone tails (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, etc), and higher order packaging of DNA around nucleosomes. Apart from DNA methyltransferases, histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferase, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase, and microRNAs (miRNAs) all involve in these epigenetic changes. Recent studies indicate that Cd is able to induce various epigenetic changes in plant and mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Since aberrant epigenetics plays a critical role in the development of various cancers and chronic diseases, Cd may cause the above-mentioned pathogenic risks via epigenetic mechanisms. Here we review the in vitro and in vivo evidence of epigenetic effects of Cd. The available findings indicate that epigenetics occurred in association with Cd induction of malignant transformation of cells and pathological proliferation of tissues, suggesting that epigenetic effects may play a role in Cd toxic, particularly carcinogenic effects. The future of environmental epigenomic research on Cd should include the role of epigenetics in determining long-term and late-onset health effects following Cd exposure.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Wang B., Li Y., Shao C., Tan Y. and Cai L., Cadmium and Its Epigenetic Effects, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2012; 19 (16) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986712800492913
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986712800492913 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Crosstalk Between Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor- and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Signaling: Implications for Cancer Therapy
Current Cancer Drug Targets The Role of Nucleoside Transport in the Antineoplastic Activity of Purine Nucleoside Chemotherapeutic Agents
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Cell Proliferation and Cytotoxicity Assays
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Metabolic Functions of Myostatin and GDF11
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Recent Developments of Flavonoids with Various Activities
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry MicroRNA-34 Family, Mechanisms of Action in Cancer: A Review
Current Cancer Drug Targets Flavonoid-Based Cancer Therapy: An Updated Review
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Genomic Organization and Control of the Grb7 Gene Family
Current Genomics Emerging Concepts in the Analysis of Mitochondrial Genome Instability
Current Genomics Novel Functionalization for Maximizing Cell Turnover from Microcarrier
Current Biotechnology Kisspeptin: Paving the Way to a New Therapeutic Avenue in Reproduction
Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Role of Trophoblast Nutrient and Ion Transporters in the Development of Pregnancy Complications and Adult Disease
Current Vascular Pharmacology Phytochemical-Mediated Glioma Targeted Treatment: Drug Resistance and Novel Delivery Systems
Current Medicinal Chemistry Molecular Basis of Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases
Current Molecular Medicine Notch-Associated MicroRNAs in Cancer
Current Drug Targets A Mechanistic Overview on Male Infertility and Germ Cell Cancers
Current Pharmaceutical Design Role of Renin-Angiotensin System in Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Current Hypertension Reviews Editorial [Hot Topic: Drugs and Pregnancy (Guest Editor: Zaneta Kimber-Trojnar)]
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Phosphorylation Processes Controlling Aromatase Activity in Br east Cancer: An Update
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry