Trifloxystrobin-induced mitophagy through mitochondrial damage in human skin keratinocytes

Yoonjeong Jang1, Ji-Eun Kim, Sang-Hee Jeong

  • 1Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Korea.

Insights

Trifloxystrobin fungicide exposure damages mitochondria and triggers mitophagy in human skin cells. This cellular response may contribute to skin diseases from fungicide exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Strobilurin fungicides like trifloxystrobin inhibit fungal energy production.
  • The cellular mechanisms of fungicide toxicity in human skin are not well understood.
  • Investigating trifloxystrobin's impact on human skin cells is crucial for understanding potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular effects of trifloxystrobin on human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells).
  • To elucidate the role of mitochondria and mitophagy in trifloxystrobin-induced toxicity.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms of potential skin damage from trifloxystrobin exposure.

Main Methods:

  • HaCaT cells were treated with trifloxystrobin.
  • Mitochondrial function (membrane potential, morphology) was assessed.
  • Autophagy markers, mitophagy proteins (PINK1, Parkin), and reactive oxygen species were analyzed using confocal imaging and Western blotting.
  • The effect of mitoTEMPO, a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenger, was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Trifloxystrobin exposure altered mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology in HaCaT cells.
  • Trifloxystrobin induced the expression of autophagy-related proteins and mitophagy markers (PINK1, Parkin).
  • MitoTEMPO mitigated trifloxystrobin-induced mitophagy, suggesting a role for reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions:

  • Trifloxystrobin causes mitochondrial damage and induces mitophagy in human keratinocytes.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy are implicated in trifloxystrobin toxicity.
  • These findings suggest a potential mechanism for cutaneous diseases resulting from trifloxystrobin exposure.