Transcriptome Analysis of the Immortal Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cell Line Damaged by Tritiated Water

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Cell biology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Radioactive elements, including tritium, have been released into marine environments due to reactor accidents.
• Understanding the cellular impact of tritiated water is crucial for assessing environmental and health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of tritiated water on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells).
• To identify specific gene expression changes and affected biological pathways in response to tritium exposure.

Main Methods:

• Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.
• Transcriptome analysis, including RNA sequencing, was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• Bioinformatics tools were used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. Western blot was used for verification.

Main Results:

• Tritiated water treatment significantly decreased HaCaT cell viability.
• 267 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified.
• Enrichment analysis indicated involvement of DEGs in Wnt and Jak-STAT signaling pathways, among others.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first transcriptome-based exploration of tritiated water's effects on HaCaT cells.
• The findings offer a theoretical foundation for understanding the hazardous mechanisms of tritiated water exposure.