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Cadmium-induced oxidative stress and transcriptome changes in the wolf spider Pirata subpiraticus
Huilin Yang1, Zhi Wang2, Juan Wang2
1College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rural Ecosystem Health in Dongting Lake Area, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|May 6, 2021
Summary
This study reveals how cadmium (Cd) affects spiders at the molecular level. Spiders like P. subpiraticus show changes in metabolism and immune responses when exposed to cadmium, indicating its potential as a heavy metal pollution indicator.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Molecular biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Spiders are sensitive bioindicators for heavy metal pollution.
- Cadmium (Cd) toxicity in spiders is complex, influenced by various factors.
- Mechanisms of acute Cd toxicity and spider responses remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of acute cadmium toxicity in the spider P. subpiraticus.
- To analyze gene expression changes in response to different cadmium concentrations and exposure times.
- To assess the impact of cadmium on spider metabolism, immunity, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of adult female P. subpiraticus to 0.2 mM and 2 mM Cd for 6 and 12 hours.
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Measurement of cadmium bioaccumulation and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST).
Main Results:
- Cadmium exposure led to significant changes in gene expression, affecting metabolism, immunity, and oxidative stress pathways.
- Lipid metabolism was depressed, while protein and serine metabolism were induced.
- Upregulation of cuticle and peroxidase-related genes, and notable changes in cytoskeleton genes involved in immune processes.
- Time- and concentration-dependent differences in gene expression, enzyme activities, and cadmium accumulation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Acute cadmium exposure induces significant molecular toxicity in P. subpiraticus.
- Spiders exhibit adaptive responses through differential gene expression in metabolism, immunity, and antioxidant stress pathways.
- This study provides a comprehensive transcriptional dataset for understanding spider responses to heavy metal stress.
