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Published on: August 2, 2024
A Standardized Protocol for Evaluating Cadmium Toxicity in Human Colorectal Organoids via Luciferase-Based Viability
Jiahui Du1, Yijie Wu2, Yi Wang1
1Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Molecular Target Therapy and Companion Diagnostics in Oncology, Suzhou Vocational Health College.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 10, 2026
Summary
This study developed a human colorectal organoid (CO) model to test cadmium toxicity. The findings show that cadmium exposure decreases CO metabolic activity, offering a new method for environmental heavy-metal toxicology research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) is a Group 1 carcinogen and a significant environmental pollutant.
- Assessing the toxic effects of heavy metals on human tissues requires sensitive and relevant models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a human colorectal organoid (CO) model for toxicological studies.
- To evaluate a luciferase-based ATP bioluminescence assay for detecting Cd toxicity in COs.
Main Methods:
- Human colorectal stem cells were isolated and cultured to form 3D organoids.
- Organoids were exposed to varying concentrations of Cd for different durations.
- Cell viability was assessed using a bioluminescence assay measuring ATP levels.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of human colorectal organoids from primary stem cells.
- Cd exposure demonstrated dose-dependent and time-dependent reductions in organoid metabolic activity.
- The bioluminescence assay effectively quantified Cd-induced toxicity, yielding IC50 values.
Conclusions:
- Human colorectal organoids provide a viable model for heavy-metal toxicology.
- The luciferase-based ATP bioluminescence assay is a sensitive method for evaluating Cd toxicity in COs.
- This research offers valuable insights for environmental heavy-metal risk assessment.
