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Published on: May 16, 2025
645
Cell damage induced by copper: an explant model to study anemone cells
Vanessa A Anjos1, Flávio M R da Silva2, Marta M Souza3
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália km 8, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Summary
Copper exposure harms sea anemone cells, causing reduced viability and DNA damage. This study highlights copper
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Sea anemones are benthic organisms sensitive to water pollution.
- Copper is a common environmental pollutant with known toxicity.
- Understanding cellular defense mechanisms is crucial for assessing environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate copper toxicity effects on Bunodosoma cangicum cells.
- To analyze cellular defense mechanisms, including multidrug resistance (MDR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- To evaluate copper-induced DNA damage in sea anemone cells.
Main Methods:
- Primary cell cultures were established from Bunodosoma cangicum podal disk explants.
- Cells were exposed to two copper concentrations (7.8 and 15.6 μg/L) for 6 and 24 hours.
- Assays included cell viability, cell number, rhodamine-B accumulation (MDR), H2DCF-DA fluorescence (ROS), and comet assay (DNA damage).
Main Results:
- Copper exposure significantly reduced cell viability and number, particularly at 15.6 μg/L for 24 hours.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) activity was induced at 7.8 μg/L after 24 hours.
- Increased ROS generation and subsequent DNA damage (evidenced by comet assay parameters) were observed with copper exposure.
Conclusions:
- Copper exhibits cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on Bunodosoma cangicum cells.
- The study demonstrates copper-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in sea anemones.
- These findings underscore the adverse impact of copper pollution on marine benthic organisms.
