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Identification of epigenetic modifications mediating the antagonistic effect of selenium against cadmium-induced

Zhuo-Zhi Liang1, Yi-Xin Zhang1, Rui-Mei Zhu1,2

  • 1School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|November 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Selenium (Se) counteracts cadmium (Cd)-induced breast cancer by altering gene expression. This study identified 10 key genes and pathways involved in selenium

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Cancer Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cadmium (Cd) exposure is linked to breast cancer.
  • Selenium (Se) shows antagonistic effects against Cd-induced carcinogenesis.
  • Mechanisms underlying Se's protective role remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms behind Se's antagonism to Cd.
  • To identify specific epigenetically regulated genes and pathways involved.

Main Methods:

  • MCF-7 cells were treated with Cd and Se.
  • Cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay.
  • Epigenomic profiling (DNA methylation, miRNA, lncRNA) and transcriptomic analysis were performed.
  • Cross-verification of epigenetic markers with transcriptomic data identified key genes.

Main Results:

  • Selenium alleviated the proliferative effects of cadmium on MCF-7 cells.
  • Ten epigenetically regulated genes (e.g., APBA2, CPEB3, MYLK) were identified as mediators.
  • These genes are implicated in cancer-related pathways like focal adhesion and PI3K/Akt signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Selenium antagonizes Cd-induced breast carcinogenesis through epigenetic modifications.
  • Identified genes and pathways provide novel insights into Se's chemopreventive potential.
  • This study highlights the role of epigenetics in environmental carcinogenesis and prevention.
Keywords:
Breast cancerCadmiumLncRNAMethylationMiRNASelenium

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