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Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Preparation of Mitochondrial Enriched Fractions for Metabolic Analysis in Drosophila
Published on: September 30, 2015
Fungal compound 1-octen-3-ol induces mitochondrial morphological alterations and respiration dysfunctions in
Giulianna Echeverria Macedo1, Patrícia de Brum Vieira1, Nathane Rosa Rodrigues2
1Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Centro Interdisciplinar Em Biotecnologia - CIPBIOTEC, Universidade Federal Do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel, 97307-020, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise a group of compounds commonly found in damp or water-damaged indoor places affecting air quality. Indoor fungal pollution is a severe threat to human health, contributing to the onset of allergic diseases. The compound 1-octen-3-ol, known as "mushroom alcohol", is the most abundant VOC and confers the characteristic mold odor. Exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induces inflammatory markers and episodes of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis; however, the effects of this compound towards mitochondria are fairly known. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 1-octen-3-ol on inflammatory targets and on mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in D. melanogaster. Drosophilas were exposed by inhalation to 2.5 μL/L and 5 μL/L of 1-octen-3-ol for 24 h. Observation showed a decreasing in the survival and locomotor ability of flies. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was induced whereas Catalase (CAT) activity was inhibited. Analysis of the mitochondria respiration, detected inhibition of complex I and II in the electron transport chain and a decreased bioenergetic rate. Electronic microscopy provided morphological insights of the mitochondrial status in which a disarrangement in mitochondrial cristae profile was observed. 1-Octen-3-ol induced increased activity of caspase 3/7 and ERK phosphorylation. The mRNA relative steady-state levels of p38MAPK and JNK were down-regulated, whereas NF-κB and p53 were up-regulated. In parallel, nitrite levels were induced in relation to the non-exposed group. These findings point to the mitochondria as a crucial target for the toxicity of 1-octen-3-ol in parallel with activation of pro-inflammatory factors and apoptotic signaling pathway cascade.
Insights
Mushroom alcohol (1-octen-3-ol) from mold exposure harms fruit flies by damaging mitochondria and triggering inflammation and cell death pathways. This study reveals its toxic effects on cellular respiration and organismal health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impact indoor air quality and human health, often causing allergic diseases.
- 1-octen-3-ol, a common mold VOC, is linked to allergic reactions, but its mitochondrial effects are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 1-octen-3-ol on inflammatory markers, mitochondrial function, and morphology in *Drosophila melanogaster*.
Main Methods:
- *Drosophila melanogaster* were exposed to 1-octen-3-ol via inhalation.
- Assessed survival, locomotion, enzyme activity (SOD, CAT), mitochondrial respiration, and electron microscopy.
- Analyzed caspase 3/7 activity, ERK phosphorylation, and mRNA levels of key signaling pathways (p38, JNK, NF-κB, p53).
Main Results:
- Exposure reduced fly survival and locomotion.
- Mitochondrial respiration was inhibited (Complex I & II), decreasing bioenergetic rate, with observed cristae disarrangement.
- Induced inflammatory markers (nitrite), caspase 3/7 activity, ERK phosphorylation, and altered mRNA levels of p38, JNK, NF-κB, and p53.
Conclusions:
- 1-octen-3-ol targets mitochondria, impairs bioenergetics, and induces pro-inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
- Highlights the role of mitochondria in 1-octen-3-ol toxicity and its contribution to allergic disease mechanisms.
