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Faced with unpredictable changes in global weather patterns, release and redistribution of metals through land erosion and water movements add to the increasing use of metals in industrial activities causing high levels of environmental pollution and concern to the health of all living organisms. Cadmium is released into the environment by smelting and mining, entering the food chain via contaminated soils, water, and phosphate fertilizers. Bioaccumulation of cadmium in plants represents the first major step into the human food chain and contributes to toxicity of several organs, especially the kidneys, where biomagnification of cadmium occurs over decades of exposure. Even in small amounts, cadmium brings about alterations at the molecular and cellular levels in eukaryotes through mutagenicity, molecular mimicry at metal binding sites and oxidative stress. The epigenome dictates expression of a gene's output through a number of regulatory steps involving chromatin remodeling, nucleosome unwinding, DNA accessibility, or nucleic acid modifications that ultimately impact the transcriptional and translational machinery. Several epigenetic enzymes exhibit zinc-dependence as zinc metalloenzymes and zinc finger proteins thus making them susceptible to deregulation through displacement by cadmium. In this review, we summarize the literature on cadmium-induced epigenetic mechanisms in mammalian kidneys and plants, compare similarities in the epigenetic defense between these bioaccumulators, and explore how future studies could advance our understanding of the cadmium-induced stress response and disruption to biological health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Cellular responses to toxic metals depend on metal accessibility to intracellular targets, reaching interaction sites, and the intracellular metal concentration, which is mainly determined by uptake pathways, binding/sequestration and efflux pathways. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are ubiquitous in the human body-usually in epithelia-and are responsible for the transfer of indispensable physiological substrates (e.g. lipids and heme), protection against potentially toxic substances, maintenance of fluid composition, and excretion of metabolic waste products. Derailed regulation and gene variants of ABC transporters culminate in a wide array of pathophysiological disease states, such as oncogenic multidrug resistance or cystic fibrosis. Cadmium (Cd) has no known physiological role in mammalians and poses a health risk due to its release into the environment as a result of industrial activities, and eventually passes into the food chain. Epithelial cells, especially within the liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, are particularly susceptible to the multifaceted effects of Cd because of the plethora of uptake pathways available. Pertinent to their broad substrate spectra, ABC transporters represent a major cellular efflux pathway for Cd and Cd complexes. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning transport of Cd and its complexes (mainly Cd bound to glutathione) by the ABC transporters ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein, MDR1), ABCB6, ABCC1 (multidrug resistance related protein 1, MRP1), ABCC7 (cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, CFTR), and ABCG2 (breast cancer related protein, BCRP). Potential detoxification strategies underlying ABC transporter-mediated efflux of Cd and Cd complexes are discussed., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Levels and chemical species of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) determine oxidative eustress and distress. Abundance of uptake pathways and high oxygen consumption for ATP-dependent transport makes the renal proximal tubule particularly susceptible to cadmium (Cd 2+ )-induced oxidative stress by targeting ROS/RNS generation or antioxidant defence mechanisms, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) or H 2 O 2 -metabolizing catalase (CAT). Though ROS/RNS are well-evidenced, the role of distinct ROS profiles in Cd 2+ concentration-dependent toxicity is not clear. In renal cells, Cd 2+ (10-50 µM) oxidized dihydrorhodamine 123, reaching a maximum at 2-3 h. Increases (up to fourfold) in lipid peroxidation by TBARS assay and H 2 O 2 by Amplex Red were evident within 30 min. ROS and loss in cell viability by MTT assay with 50 µM Cd 2+ could not be fully reversed by SOD mimetics Tempol and MnTBAP nor by SOD1 overexpression, whereas CAT expression and α-tocopherol were effective. SOD and CAT activities were attenuated below controls only with >6 h 50 µM Cd 2+ , yet augmented by up to 1.5- and 1.2-fold, respectively, by 10 µM Cd 2+ . Moreover, 10 µM, but not 25-50 µM Cd 2+ , caused 1.7-fold increase in superoxide anion (O 2 •- ), detected by dihydroethidium, paralled by loss in cell viability, that was abolished by Tempol, MnTBAP, α-tocopherol and SOD1 or CAT overexpression. H 2 O 2 -generating NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) was attenuated by ~50% with 10 µM Cd 2+ at 3 h compared to upregulation by 50 µM Cd 2+ (~1.4-fold, 30 min), which was sustained for 24 h. In summary, O 2 •- predominates with low-moderate Cd 2+ , driving an adaptive response, whereas oxidative stress by elevated H 2 triggers cell death signaling pathways.Highlights Different levels of reactive oxygen species are generated, depending on cadmium concentration. Superoxide anion predominates and H 2 at high Cd 2+ is suppressed with low cadmium representing oxidative eustress. High cadmium fosters H 2 O 2 by inhibiting catalase and increasing NOX4 leading to oxidative distress. Superoxide dismutase mimetics and overexpression were less effective with high versus low cadmium. Oxidative stress profile could dictate downstream signalling pathways.2 O 2 by inhibiting catalase and increasing NOX4 leading to oxidative distress. Superoxide dismutase mimetics and overexpression were less effective with high versus low cadmium. Oxidative stress profile could dictate downstream signalling pathways., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The liver hormone hepcidin regulates systemic iron homeostasis. Hepcidin is also expressed by the kidney, but exclusively in distal nephron segments. Several studies suggest hepcidin protects against kidney damage involving Fe 2+ overload. The nephrotoxic non-essential metal ion Cd 2+ can displace Fe 2+ from cellular biomolecules, causing oxidative stress and cell death. The role of hepcidin in Fe 2+ and Cd 2+ toxicity was assessed in mouse renal cortical [mCCD(cl.1)] and inner medullary [mIMCD 3 ] collecting duct cell lines. Cells were exposed to equipotent Cd 2+ (0.5-5 μmol/l) and/or Fe 2+ (50-100 μmol/l) for 4-24 h. Hepcidin (Hamp1) was transiently silenced by RNAi or overexpressed by plasmid transfection. Hepcidin or catalase expression were evaluated by RT-PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting or immunofluorescence microscopy, and cell fate by MTT, apoptosis and necrosis assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using CellROX™ Green and catalase activity by fluorometry. Hepcidin upregulation protected against Fe 2+ -induced mIMCD 3 cell death by increasing catalase activity and reducing ROS, but exacerbated Cd 2+ -induced catalase dysfunction, increasing ROS and cell death. Opposite effects were observed with Hamp1 siRNA. Similar to Hamp1 silencing, increased intracellular Fe 2+ prevented Cd 2+ damage, ROS formation and catalase disruption whereas chelation of intracellular Fe 2+ with desferrioxamine augmented Cd 2+ damage, corresponding to hepcidin upregulation. Comparable effects were observed in mCCD(cl.1) cells, indicating equivalent functions of renal hepcidin in different collecting duct segments. In conclusion, hepcidin likely binds Fe 2+ , but not Cd 2+ . Because Fe 2+ and Cd 2+ compete for functional binding sites in proteins, hepcidin affects their free metal ion pools and differentially impacts downstream processes and cell fate., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: The proximal tubule (PT) is the major target of cadmium (Cd 2+ ) nephrotoxicity. Current dogma postulates that Cd 2+ complexed to metallothionein (MT) (CdMT) is taken up through receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) via the PT receptor megalin:cubilin, which is the predominant pathway for reuptake of filtered proteins in the kidney. Nevertheless, there is evidence that the distal parts of the nephron are also sensitive to damage induced by Cd 2+ . In rodent kidneys, another receptor for protein endocytosis, the 24p3 receptor (24p3R), is exclusively expressed in the apical membranes of distal tubules (DT) and collecting ducts (CD). Cell culture studies have demonstrated that RME and toxicity of CdMT and other (metal ion)-protein complexes in DT and CD cells is mediated by 24p3R. In this study, we evaluated the uptake of labeled CdMT complex through 24p3R after acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by gentamicin (GM) administration that disrupts PT function. Subcutaneous administration of GM at 10 mg/kg/day for seven days did not alter the structural and functional integrity of the kidney's filtration barrier. However, because of PT injury, the concentration of the renal biomarker Kim-1 increased. When CdMT complex coupled to FITC was administered intravenously, both uptake of the CdMT complex and 24p3R expression in DT increased and also colocalized after PT injury induced by GM. Although megalin decreased in PT after GM administration, urinary protein excretion was not changed, which suggests that the increased levels of 24p3R in the distal nephron could be acting as a compensatory mechanism for protein uptake. Altogether, these results suggest that PT damage increases the uptake of the CdMT complex through 24p3R in DT (and possibly CD) and compensate for protein losses associated with AKI.

Ever increasing environmental presence of cadmium as a consequence of industrial activities is considered a health hazard and is closely linked to deteriorating global health status. General animal and human cadmium exposure ranges from ingestion of foodstuffs sourced from heavily polluted hotspots and cigarette smoke to widespread contamination of air and water, including cadmium-containing microplastics found in household water. Cadmium is promiscuous in its effects and exerts numerous cellular perturbations based on direct interactions with macromolecules and its capacity to mimic or displace essential physiological ions, such as iron and zinc. Cell organelles use lipid membranes to form complex tightly-regulated, compartmentalized networks with specialized functions, which are fundamental to life. Interorganellar communication is crucial for orchestrating correct cell behavior, such as adaptive stress responses, and can be mediated by the release of signaling molecules, exchange of organelle contents, mechanical force generated through organelle shape changes or direct membrane contact sites. In this review, cadmium effects on organellar structure and function will be critically discussed with particular consideration to disruption of organelle physiology in vertebrates.

Cadmium (Cd 2+ ) is a toxic and non-essential divalent metal ion in eukaryotic cells. Cells can only be targeted by Cd 2+ if it hijacks physiological high-affinity entry pathways, which transport essential divalent metal ions in a process termed "ionic and molecular mimicry". Hence, "free" Cd 2+ ions and Cd 2+ complexed with small organic molecules are transported across cellular membranes via ion channels, carriers and ATP hydrolyzing pumps, whereas receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) internalizes Cd 2+ -protein complexes. Only Cd 2+ transport pathways validated by stringent methodology, namely electrophysiology, 109 Cd 2+ tracer studies, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Cd 2+ -sensitive fluorescent dyes, or specific ligand binding and internalization assays for RME are reviewed whereas indirect correlative studies are excluded. At toxicologically relevant concentrations in the submicromolar range, Cd 2+ permeates voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels ("T-type" Ca V 3.1, CatSper), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (TRPA1, TRPV5/6, TRPML1), solute carriers (SLCs) (DMT1/SLC11A2, ZIP8/SLC39A8, ZIP14/SLC39A14), amino acid/cystine transporters (SLC7A9/SLC3A1, SLC7A9/SLC7A13), and Cd 2+ -protein complexes are endocytosed by the lipocalin-2/NGAL receptor SLC22A17. Cd 2+ transport via the mitochondrial Ca 2+ uniporter, ATPases ABCC1/2/5 and transferrin receptor 1 is likely but requires further evidence. Cd 2+ flux occurs through the influx carrier OCT2/SLC22A2, efflux MATE proteins SLC47A1/A2, the efflux ATPase ABCB1, and RME of Cd 2+ -metallothionein by the receptor megalin (low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2, LRP2):cubilin albeit at high concentrations thus questioning their relevance in Cd 2+ loading. Which Cd 2+ -protein complexes are internalized by megalin:cubilin in vivo still needs to be determined. A stringent conservative and reductionist approach is mandatory to verify relevance of transport pathways for Cd 2+ toxicity and to overcome dissemination of unsubstantiated conjectures.

Cadmium (Cd 2+ ) in the environment is a significant health hazard. Chronic low Cd 2+ exposure mainly results from food and tobacco smoking and causes kidney damage, predominantly in the proximal tubule. Blood Cd 2+ binds to thiol-containing high (e.g., albumin, transferrin) and low molecular weight proteins (e.g., the high-affinity metal-binding protein metallothionein, β2-microglobulin, α1-microglobulin and lipocalin-2). These plasma proteins reach the glomerular filtrate and are endocytosed at the proximal tubule via the multiligand receptor complex megalin:cubilin. The current dogma of chronic Cd 2+ nephrotoxicity claims that Cd 2+ -metallothionein endocytosed via megalin:cubilin causes renal damage. However, a thorough study of the literature strongly argues for revision of this model for various reasons, mainly: (i) It relied on studies with unusually high Cd 2+ -metallothionein concentrations; (ii) the K D of megalin for metallothionein is ~10 5 -times higher than (Cd 2+ )-metallothionein plasma concentrations. Here we investigated the uptake and toxicity of ultrafiltrated Cd 2+ -binding protein ligands that are endocytosed via megalin:cubilin in the proximal tubule. Metallothionein, β2-microglobulin, α1-microglobulin, lipocalin-2, albumin and transferrin were investigated, both as apo- and Cd 2+ -protein complexes, in a rat proximal tubule cell line (WKPT-0293 Cl.2) expressing megalin:cubilin at low passage, but is lost at high passage. Uptake was determined by fluorescence microscopy and toxicity by MTT cell viability assay. Apo-proteins in low and high passage cells as well as Cd 2+ -protein complexes in megalin:cubilin deficient high passage cells did not affect cell viability. The data prove Cd 2+ -metallothionein is not toxic, even at >100-fold physiological metallothionein concentrations in the primary filtrate. Rather, Cd 2+ -β2-microglobulin, Cd 2+ -albumin and Cd 2+ -lipocalin-2 at concentrations present in the primary filtrate are taken up by low passage proximal tubule cells and cause toxicity. They are therefore likely candidates of Cd 2+ -protein complexes damaging the proximal tubule via megalin:cubilin at concentrations found in the ultrafiltrate.

The environmental toxicant cadmium (Cd) enters the food chain. A substantial proportion of Cd in nutrients of plant origin is present as Cd-metallothionein (CdMT) and Cd-phytochelatin (CdPC) complexes, which may be absorbed and transcytosed intact by colonic enterocytes following bacterial fermentation and contribute to systemic Cd toxicity, e.g. in liver and kidneys. We have recently demonstrated that the receptor for human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (hNGAL) is expressed in human colon and colon-like Caco-2 BBE cells where it mediates transcytosis of MT and PC. Here we show in colon-like Caco-2 BBE cells that hNGAL receptor (hNGAL-R) dependent toxicity is significantly higher with CdMT than with CdPC3 (2.5-50μM Cd(2+) complexed to MT or PC3 for ≤24h), using MTT assay. Fluorescence-labelled A546-MT, but not A488-PC3 (both 700nM), co-localizes with the lysosomal marker cathepsin-B, as determined by confocal microscopy. In transwell experiments with confluent monolayers, transcytosis efficiency (i.e. the ratio of basal delivery to apical decrease) of A546-MT is decreased compared to A488-PC3 (both 700nM). The tubulin polymerization disruptor nocodazole (16.7μM) almost abolished CdMT and CdPC3 toxicity, reduced apical uptake of both A546-MT and A488-PC3, but increased transcytosis efficiency of A546-MT compared to that of A488-PC3 by preventing trafficking of A546-MT to lysosomes. Hence, following hNGAL-R dependent endocytosis of CdMT/CdPC3 in colonic epithelia, a nocodazole-sensitive trafficking pathway may preferentially target CdMT, but not CdPC3, to lysosomes, causing increased colonic epithelial toxicity but reduced systemic toxicity., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cellular stress elicited by the toxic metal Cd(2+) does not coerce the cell into committing to die from the onset. Rather, detoxification and adaptive processes are triggered concurrently, allowing survival until normal function is restored. With high Cd(2+), death pathways predominate. However, if sublethal stress levels affect cells for prolonged periods, as in chronic low Cd(2+) exposure, adaptive and survival mechanisms may deregulate, such that tumorigenesis ensues. Hence, death and malignancy are the two ends of a continuum of cellular responses to Cd(2+), determined by magnitude and duration of Cd(2+) stress. Signaling cascades are the key factors affecting cellular reactions to Cd(2+). This review critically surveys recent literature to outline major features of death and survival signaling pathways as well as their activation, interactions and cross talk in cells exposed to Cd(2+). Under physiological conditions, receptor activation generates 2nd messengers, which are short-lived and act specifically on effectors through their spatial and temporal dynamics to transiently alter effector activity. Cd(2+) recruits physiological 2nd messenger systems, in particular Ca(2+) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which control key Ca(2+)- and redox-sensitive molecular switches dictating cell function and fate. Severe ROS/Ca(2+) signals activate cell death effectors (ceramides, ASK1-JNK/p38, calpains, caspases) and/or cause irreversible damage to vital organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas low localized ROS/Ca(2+) levels act as 2nd messengers promoting cellular adaptation and survival through signal transduction (ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt-PKB) and transcriptional regulators (Ref1-Nrf2, NF-κB, Wnt, AP-1, bestrophin-3). Other cellular proteins and processes targeted by ROS/Ca(2+) (metallothioneins, Bcl-2 proteins, ubiquitin-proteasome system, ER stress-associated unfolded protein response, autophagy, cell cycle) can evoke death or survival. Hence, temporary or permanent disruptions of ROS/Ca(2+) induced by Cd(2+) play a crucial role in eliciting, modulating and linking downstream cell death and adaptive and survival signaling cascades.

Polyspecific organic cation transporter Oct2 from rat (gene Slc22A2) has been previously shown to transport Cs(+). Here we report that human OCT2 (hOCT2) is able to transport Cd(2+) showing substrate saturation with a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 54 ± 5.8 μM. Uptake of Cd(2+) by hOCT2 was inhibited by typical hOCT2 ligands (unlabeled substrates and inhibitors), and the rate of uptake was decreased by a point mutation in a substrate binding domain of hOCT2. Incubation of hOCT2 overexpressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-hOCT2-C) or rat renal proximal tubule cells expressing rOct2 (NRK-52E-C) with Cd(2+) resulted in an increased level of apoptosis that was reduced by OCT2 inhibitory ligand cimetidine(+). HEK-hOCT2-C exhibited different functional properties when they were confluent or had been dissociated by removal of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). Only confluent HEK-hOCT2-C transported Cd(2+), and confluent and dissociated cells exhibited different potencies for inhibition of uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(+) (MPP(+)) by Cd(2+), MPP(+), tetraethylammonium(+), cimetidine(+), and corticosterone. In confluent HEK-hOCT2-C, largely different inhibitor potencies were obtained upon comparison of inhibition of Cd(2+) uptake, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-N-methylpyridinium(+) (ASP(+)) uptake, and MPP(+) uptake using substrate concentrations far below the respective Km values. Employing a point mutation in the previously identified substrate binding site of rat Oct1 produced evidence that short distance allosteric effects between binding sites for substrates and inhibitors are involved in substrate-dependent inhibitor potency. Substrate-dependent inhibitor affinity is probably a common property of OCTs. To predict interactions between drugs that are transported by OCTs and inhibitory drugs, it is necessary to employ the specific transported drug rather than a model substrate for in vitro measurements.

The detrimental health effects of cadmium (Cd) were first described in the mid 19th century. As part of industrial developments, increasing usage of Cd has led to widespread contamination of the environment that threatens human health, particularly today. Rather than acute, lethal exposures, the real challenge in the 21st century in a global setting seems to be chronic low Cd exposure (CLCE), mainly from dietary sources. Ubiquity of Cd makes it a serious environmental health problem that needs to be thoroughly assessed because it already affects or will affect large proportions of the world's population. CLCE is a health problem that affects increasingly organ toxicity, especially nephrotoxicity, without a known threshold, implying that there is currently no safe limit for CLCE. In this chapter, we summarize current knowledge on the sources of Cd in the environment, describe the entry pathways for Cd into mammalian organisms, sum up the major organs targeted by acute or chronic Cd exposure and review the impact of Cd on organ function and human health. We also aim to put early pioneering studies on Cd poisoning into perspective in the context of recent ground-breaking prospective long-term population studies, which link CLCE to leading causes of diseases in modern societies - cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and of state-of-the-art studies detailing cellular and molecular mechanisms of acute and chronic Cd toxicity.

Cadmium (Cd(2+)) damages the kidney proximal tubule (PT) by ceramide-dependent apoptosis and is also a class I carcinogen. Multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein (MDR1, ABCB1) confers resistance to Cd(2+) apoptosis, and it has been hypothesized that ABCB1 can directly transport Cd(2+) as a mode of cellular protection. Our aim was to investigate the role of ABCB1 in Cd(2+) transport and ceramide apoptosis. In rat PT or Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells overexpressing ABCB1, ABCB1-dependent efflux of rhodamine 123(+) (Rh123(+)) or (109)Cd(2+) were determined, and cell death was assayed with MTT, H-33342 nuclear staining, and monolayer integrity by impedance sensing (Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing [ECIS]). ABCB1 inhibitors (PSC833, UIC-2 antibody) did not affect (109)Cd(2+) efflux in PT cells though Rh123(+) transport was blocked. Furthermore, increased ABCB1 expression did not augment (109)Cd(2+) efflux but attenuated apoptosis by 10-50μM Cd(2+) or 5-25μM C(6)-ceramide, which was abolished by PSC833 (1μM). ECIS measurements of ABCB1-MDCK monolayers exhibited similar effects. Moreover, in ABCB1-MDCK cells, Cd(2+)-induced ceramide formation, determined by a diacylglycerol kinase assay, was abolished and increased extrusion of nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl (NBD)-C(6)-ceramide, and NBD-C(6)-glucosylceramide was observed compared with MDCK cells. Whereas pharmacological block of sphingomyelin synthase (0.1mM D609) or sphingosine kinase (1μM dimethylsphingosine), which increase the levels of ceramide and its metabolites, augmented Cd(2+)-induced apoptosis, Cd(2+) apoptosis was significantly decreased not only by prevention of de novo ceramide synthesis (0.1μM fumonisin B(1)) but also by inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase (2μM C(9)DGJ). We therefore conclude that Cd(2+) efflux is not the mechanism behind ABCB1-mediated protection from Cd(2+) apoptosis. Rather, the sphingolipid glucosylceramide may be the proapoptotic substrate extruded by ABCB1.

Background: The class 1 carcinogen cadmium (Cd2+) disrupts the E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex of epithelial adherens junctions (AJs) and causes renal cancer. Deregulation of E-cadherin adhesion and changes in Wnt/beta-catenin signaling are known to contribute to carcinogenesis., Results: We investigated Wnt signaling after Cd2+-induced E-cadherin disruption in sub-confluent cultured kidney proximal tubule cells (PTC). Cd2+ (25 microM, 3-9 h) caused nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and triggered a Wnt response measured by TOPflash reporter assays. Cd2+ reduced the interaction of beta-catenin with AJ components (E-cadherin, alpha-catenin) and increased binding to the transcription factor TCF4 of the Wnt pathway, which was upregulated and translocated to the nucleus. While Wnt target genes (c-Myc, cyclin D1 and ABCB1) were up-regulated by Cd2+, electromobility shift assays showed increased TCF4 binding to cyclin D1 and ABCB1 promoter sequences with Cd2+. Overexpression of wild-type and mutant TCF4 confirmed Cd2+-induced Wnt signaling. Wnt signaling elicited by Cd2+ was not observed in confluent non-proliferating cells, which showed increased E-cadherin expression. Overexpression of E-cadherin reduced Wnt signaling, PTC proliferation and Cd2+ toxicity. Cd2+ also induced reactive oxygen species dependent expression of the pro-apoptotic ER stress marker and Wnt suppressor CHOP/GADD153 which, however, did not abolish Wnt response and cell viability., Conclusions: Cd2+ induces Wnt signaling in PTC. Hence, Cd2+ may facilitate carcinogenesis of PTC by promoting Wnt pathway-mediated proliferation and survival of pre-neoplastic cells.

Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that is frequently associated with p53 inactivation. The class 1 carcinogen cadmium (Cd(2+)) causes renal cancer and is known to inactivate p53. G(2)/mitosis (M) arrest contributes to stabilization of p53-deficient mutated cells, but its role and regulation in Cd(2+)-exposed p53-deficient renal cells are unknown. In p53-inactivated kidney proximal tubule (PT) cells, comet assay experiments showed that Cd(2+) (50-100 microM) induced DNA damage within 1-6 h. This was associated with peak formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at 1-3 h, measured with dihydrorhodamine 123, and G(2)/M cell cycle arrest at 6 h, which were abolished by the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (100 microM). Cd(2+)-induced G(2)/M arrest was enhanced approximately twofold on release from cell synchronization (double thymidine block or nocodazole) and resulted in approximately twofold increase of apoptosis, indicating that G(2)/M arrest mirrors DNA damage and toxicity. The Chk1/2 kinase inhibitor UCN-01 (0.3 microM), which relieves G(2)/M transition block, abolished Cd(2+)-induced G(2) arrest and increased apoptosis. This was accompanied by prevention of Cd(2+)-induced cyclin-dependent kinase cdc2 phosphorylation at tyrosine 15, as shown by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. The data indicate that in p53-inactivated PT cells Cd(2+)-induced ROS formation and DNA damage trigger signaling of checkpoint activating kinases ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase (ATM) and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) to cause G(2)/M arrest. This may promote survival of premalignant PT cells and Cd(2+) carcinogenesis.

Apoptosis is a tightly regulated physiological process, which can be initiated by toxic stimuli, such as cadmium (Cd2+). Cd2+ (10-50 microM) induces a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) (> or = 30 min) in a cell line derived from the S1 segment of rat kidney proximal tubule, without any apparent mitochondrial dysfunction. The sphingolipid ceramide is an important second messenger in apoptosis. Short exposure to Cd2+ (3h) causes an increase in ceramides, which occurs downstream of ROS formation, and may interact with cellular components, such as endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Following apoptosis initiation, execution must take place. The classical executioners of apoptosis are caspases, a family of cysteine proteases. However, increasing studies report caspase-independent apoptosis, which questions the essentiality of caspases for apoptosis implementation. With low micromolar Cd2+ concentrations (< 10 microM), caspases are only activated after 24h and not at earlier time points, which supports the notion of caspase-independent apoptosis. Due to increased cytosolic Ca(2+) under pathological conditions, a role for the Ca2+-dependent proteases, calpains, has emerged. Calpain activation by Cd2+ (3-6h) seems to be regulated by ceramide levels, in order to induce apoptosis. Calpain and caspase substrates overlap but yield different fragments, which may explain their diverse downstream targets. Furthermore, calpains and caspases may interact with one another to enhance, as seen by Cd2+, or diminish apoptosis. In this review, we discuss novel roles for ceramides, calpains and caspases as part of Cd2+-induced apoptotic signalling pathways in the kidney proximal tubule and their in vivo relevance to Cd2+-induced nephrotoxicity.

Cadmium (Cd2+) induces renal proximal tubular (PT) damage, including disruption of the E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex of adherens junctions (AJs) and apoptosis. Yet, chronic Cd2+ exposure causes malignant transformation of renal cells. Previously, we have demonstrated that Cd(2+)-mediated up-regulation of the multidrug transporter Abcb1 causes apoptosis resistance in PT cells. We hypothesized that Cd2+ activates adaptive signaling mechanisms mediated by beta-catenin to evade apoptosis and increase proliferation. Here we show that 50 microM Cd2+, which induces cell death via apoptosis and necrosis, also causes a decrease of the trans-epithelial resistance of confluent WKPT-0293 Cl.2 cells, a rat renal PT cell model, within 45 min of Cd2+ exposure, as measured by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrates Cd(2+)-induced decrease of E-cadherin at AJs and redistribution of beta-catenin from the E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex of AJs to cytosol and nuclei after 3 h. Immunoblotting confirms Cd(2+)-induced decrease of E-cadherin expression and translocation of beta-catenin to cytosol and nuclei of PT cells. RT-PCR shows Cd(2+)-induced increase of expression of c-myc and of the isoform Abcb1a at 3 h. The data prove for the first time that Cd2+ induces nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in PT cells. We speculate that Cd2+ activates beta-catenin/T-cell factor signaling to trans-activate proliferation and apoptosis resistance genes and promote carcinogenesis of PT cells.

A major target of cadmium (Cd(2+)) toxicity is the kidney proximal tubule (PT) cell. Cd(2+)-induced apoptosis of PT cells is mediated by sequential activation of calpains at 3-6 h and caspases-9 and -3 after 24-h exposure. Calpains also partly contribute to caspase activation, which emphasizes the importance of calpains for PT apoptosis by Cd(2+). Upstream processes underlying Cd(2+)-induced calpain activation remain unclear. We describe for the first time that 10-50 microM Cd(2+) causes a significant increase in ceramide formation by approximately 22% (3 h) and approximately 72% (24 h), as measured by diacylglycerol kinase assay. Inhibition of ceramide synthase with fumonisin B(1) (3 microM) prevents ceramide formation at 3 h and abolishes calpain activation at 6 h, which is associated with significant attenuation of apoptosis at 3-6 h with Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining and/or 3(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) death assays. This indicates that Cd(2+) enhances de novo ceramide synthesis and that calpains are a downstream target of ceramides in apoptosis execution. Moreover, addition of C(6)-ceramide to PT cells increases cytosolic Ca(2+) and activates calpains. Apoptosis mediated by C(6)-ceramide at 24 h is significantly reduced by caspase-3 inhibition, which supports cross talk between calpain- and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. We conclude that Cd(2+)-induced apoptosis of PT cells entails endogenous ceramide elevation and subsequent Ca(2+)-dependent calpain activation, which propagates kidney damage by Cd(2+).

The nephrotoxic metal cadmium at micromolar concentrations induces apoptosis of rat kidney proximal tubule (PT) cells within 3-6 h of exposure. The underlying cell death pathways remain poorly defined. Using Hoechst 33342/ethidium bromide nuclear staining and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell death assays, 10-50 microM cadmium induced apoptosis of immortalized rat kidney cells derived from the S1-segment of PT at 6 and 24 h, but necrosis at 24 h only. Cadmium (10-50 microM) also caused mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt. c)- and apoptosis-inducing factor release at 24 h, but not at 6 h, as measured by immunofluorescence imaging and immunoblotting. Caspases-9 and -3 were activated only by 10 microM cadmium for 24 h, and accordingly apoptosis was significantly reduced by the respective inhibitors (z-LEHD-fmk, z-DEVD-fmk; 10 microg/ml) at 24 h, but not at 6 h, without affecting necrosis. At 6 h, 10 microM cadmium increased the activity of the calcium-activated protease calpain, but not at 24 h, and calpain inhibitors (ALLN, PD 150606; 10-30 microM) blocked apoptosis by 10 microM cadmium at 3-6 h. However, PD-150606 also attenuated caspase-3 activity and apoptosis at 24 h, suggesting calpain-dependent caspase activation. Thus cadmium-induced apoptosis of PT cells involves a complex and sensitive interplay of signaling cascades involving mitochondrial proapoptotic factors, calpains and caspases, whose activation is also determined by cadmium concentration and the duration of cadmium exposure.

The nephrotoxic metal Cd(2+) causes mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of kidney proximal tubule cells. A K(+) cycle involving a K(+) uniporter and a K(+)/H(+) exchanger in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is thought to contribute to the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of mitochondria. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of Cd(2+) on K(+) cycling in rat kidney cortex mitochondria. Cd(2+) (EC(50) approximately 19 microM) induced swelling of nonenergized mitochondria suspended in isotonic salt solutions according to the sequence KCl = NaCl > LiCl >> choline chloride. Cd(2+)-induced swelling of energized mitochondria had a similar EC(50) value and showed the same cation dependence but was followed by a spontaneous contraction. Mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU) blockers, but not permeability transition pore inhibitors, abolished swelling, suggesting the need for Cd(2+) influx through the MCU for swelling to occur. Complete loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) induced by K(+) influx did not prevent contraction, but addition of the K(+)/H(+) exchanger blocker, quinine (1 mM), or the electroneutral protonophore nigericin (0.4 microM), abolished contraction, suggesting the mitochondrial pH gradient (DeltapH(m)) driving contraction. Accordingly, a quinine-sensitive partial dissipation of DeltapH(m) was coincident with the swelling-contraction phase. The data indicate that Cd(2+) enters the matrix through the MCU to activate a K(+) cycle. Initial K(+) load via a Cd(2+)-activated K(+) uniporter in the IMM causes osmotic swelling and breakdown of DeltaPsi(m) and triggers quinine-sensitive K(+)/H(+) exchange and contraction. Thus Cd(2+)-induced activation of a K(+) cycle contributes to the dissipation of the mitochondrial protonmotive force.

Cd(2+) induces apoptosis of kidney proximal tubule (PT) cells. Mitochondria play a pivotal role in toxic compound-induced apoptosis by releasing cytochrome c. Our objective was to investigate the mechanisms underlying Cd(2+)-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria in rat PT cells. Using Hoechst 33342 or MTT assay, 10 muM Cd(2+) induced approximately 5-10% apoptosis in PT cells at 6 and 24 h, which was associated with cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor release at 24 h only. This correlated with previously described maximal intracellular Cd(2+) concentrations at 24 h, suggesting that elevated Cd(2+) may directly induce mitochondrial liberation of proapoptotic factors. Indeed, Cd(2+) caused swelling of energized isolated kidney cortex mitochondria (EC(50) approximately 9 muM) and cytochrome c release, which were independent of permeability transition pore (PTP) opening since PTP inhibitors cyclosporin A or bongkrekic acid had no effect. On the contrary, Cd(2+) inhibited swelling and cytochrome c release induced by PTP openers (PO(4)(3-) or H(2)O(2)+Ca(2+)). The mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU) played a key role in mitochondrial damage: 1) MCU inhibitors (La(3+), ruthenium red, Ru360) prevented swelling and cytochrome c release; and 2) ruthenium red attenuated Cd(2+) inhibition of PO(4)(3-)-induced swelling. Using the Cd(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator FluoZin-1, Cd(2+) was also taken up by mitoplasts. The aquaporin inhibitor AgNO(3) abolished Cd(2+)-induced swelling of mitoplasts. This could be partially mediated by activation of the mitoplast-enriched water channel aquaporin-8. Thus cytosolic Cd(2+) concentrations exceeding a certain threshold may directly cause mitochondrial damage and apoptotic development by interacting with MCU and water channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is nephrotoxic. Circulating Cd–metallothionein complexes (CdMT) are filtered by the kidney, reabsorbed by proximal tubule cells (PTC) via receptor-mediated endocytosis, and trafficked to lysosomes which results in apoptosis. ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) regulate vesicular trafficking. Arf1 is traditionally associated with the secretory pathway, but has been recently found involved in endocytotic trafficking in PTC. Hence, the role of Arf1 was investigated in MT-1 and transferrin (Tf) endocytosis, and in CdMT-1-induced cell death in a PTC line by overexpressing Arf1-wildtype (WT) or dominant-negative mutant Arf1-T31N. Endogenous Arf1 distribution in PTC was punctate throughout the cytosol, but was not detected in the plasma membrane. Arf1 colocalized with markers for sorting to late endosomes (Rab7, CLC6). Arf1 weakly overlapped with the late endosomal/lysosomal marker CLC7, but not with markers for early (Rab5, CLC5) and recycling endosomes (Rab11). Arf1-T31N significantly attenuated CdMT-1 toxicity by ∼60% when compared to Arf1-WT. However, overexpression of Arf1-T31N did not prevent internalization of Alexa Fluor 546-coupled Tf or MT-1 which accumulated in an EEA1-positive early endocytotic compartment, but not in Arf1-WT overexpressing cells. We conclude that Arf1 is involved in trafficking of protein–metal complexes, including CdMT, to late endosomes/lysosomes in renal PTC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]