Induction of GADD153 expression by tributyltin in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

The effects of tributyltin (TBT) exposure on the expression of growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153), also called C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), were examined in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. In response to TBT exposure, the levels of both GADD153 mRNA and GADD153 protein increased significantly. This effect was preceded by phosphorylation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Treatment with the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, markedly suppressed TBT-induced GADD153 expression. TBT may induce the expression of GADD153, a gene highly responsive to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, in a manner at least partially dependent upon the JNK pathway in SH-SY5Y cells.