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Manipulation and Analysis of Cell Cycle-Dependent Processes in Budding Yeast
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Tributyltin induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Takayuki Sekito1, Naoko Sugimoto, Masaya Ishimoto

  • 1Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University.

The Journal of Toxicological Sciences
|March 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Tributyltin (TBT), an environmental pollutant, causes cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in yeast by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). This TBT-induced G1 arrest is reversible, indicating a potential mechanism for cellular response to this toxicant.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental toxicology
  • Cell biology
  • Molecular toxicology

Background:

  • Tributyltin (TBT) is a persistent environmental pollutant known for its toxicity to cellular functions and endocrine disruption.
  • TBT exposure is linked to apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in various cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific effects of TBT on the cell cycle progression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast).
  • To determine if TBT induces cell death or cell cycle arrest at low concentrations.
  • To elucidate the role of ROS in TBT-mediated cellular responses.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of budding yeast cells to varying concentrations of TBT.
  • Flow cytometric analysis to assess cell cycle distribution.
  • Synchronization of yeast cells at M phase using nocodazole for morphological assessment.
  • Treatment with N-acetylcysteine to evaluate the role of ROS.

Main Results:

  • Low concentrations of TBT induced cell growth arrest in yeast, without causing cell death.
  • TBT-exposed yeast cells were predominantly arrested at the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
  • The G1 arrest induced by TBT was reversible upon addition of N-acetylcysteine, suggesting ROS involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Tributyltin (TBT) at low concentrations induces a reversible G1 phase cell cycle arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is implicated as a key mediator of TBT's effect on the yeast cell cycle.
  • This study provides novel insights into the specific mechanisms by which TBT impacts eukaryotic cell cycle regulation.

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