Nickel-induced alterations to chromatin structure and function.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Nickel (Ni) is a prevalent heavy metal pollutant linked to human cancers and chronic lung diseases like COPD.
• While Ni compounds are weak mutagens, Ni exposure can disrupt the epigenome, contributing to its pathogenicity.
• Chromatin organization is crucial for nuclear functions, and Ni exposure may interfere with these processes.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current research on the impact of Nickel on chromatin architecture.
• It examines the mechanisms by which Ni exposure may alter the three-dimensional organization of DNA within the eukaryotic nucleus.
• The focus is on understanding the link between Ni-induced epigenomic changes and disease development.

Key Points:

• Nickel exposure is associated with lung and nasal cancers, as well as conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, and COPD.
• Nickel's pathogenicity may stem from its ability to dysregulate the epigenome.
• Ni exposure has the potential to negatively affect cellular regulatory processes, thereby altering chromatin organization.

Conclusions:

• Alterations in chromatin architecture induced by Nickel exposure are a significant factor in its pathogenicity.
• Understanding Ni's effect on chromatin organization is critical for developing strategies to mitigate its health risks.
• Further research into Ni-induced epigenomic and chromatin changes is warranted to elucidate its toxicological mechanisms.