Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
14:48
Visualizing Lung Cellular Adaptations during Combined Ozone and LPS Induced Murine Acute Lung Injury
Published on: March 21, 2021
DNA fragmentation in developing lung fibroblasts exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) toxins
K C McCrae1, T G Rand, R A Shaw
1Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|May 31, 2007
Summary
Toxic mold Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) exposure damages developing lung cells. DNA fragmentation increased over time, but cells showed repair capabilities after 24 hours, indicating potential resilience.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) is a toxic mold found on water-damaged materials.
- Inhaled S. chartarum spores can alter respiratory epithelium, particularly in developing lungs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epigenetic effects of S. chartarum spore toxins on developing rat lung fibroblasts.
- To assess DNA damage induced by S. chartarum toxins using the comet assay.
Main Methods:
- Fetal rat lung fibroblasts were exposed to S. chartarum spore toxins for varying durations (15 min to 24 hr).
- DNA damage was evaluated using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), measuring DNA fragmentation.
- Cells were analyzed for comet tail length and DNA intensity.
Main Results:
- Control fibroblasts showed no DNA fragmentation.
- S. chartarum toxin exposure induced significant DNA fragmentation in a time-dependent manner from 15 minutes to 14 hours.
- Reduced DNA damage at 24 hours suggested potential DNA repair mechanisms in lung fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- S. chartarum spore toxins induce DNA fragmentation in developing lung fibroblasts.
- Developing lung fibroblasts exhibit DNA repair capabilities, as evidenced by reduced damage after prolonged toxin exposure.
