Lead Exposure

The primary objective of this work was to analyze
global gene expression patterns occurring in Fisher
344 rat livers exposed to varying levels of lead.
Results showed differentially expressed genes
including genes cited in the literature and several
not previously reported to be affected by lead
toxicity. Expression profiles were clustered and
gene ontology (GO) revealed 15 GO categories
affected by chronic (90d) exposure, while 3 GO
categories were affected during (30d) exposures.
Pathways emphasized the importance of Pb in
modulating various cellular events in a manner
similar to calcium regulation, including calcium
signaling phosphorylation and dephosphorylation,
histone acetylation and deacetylation. Conclusions
include: Pb controls mammalian protein synthesis via
regulating phosphorylation or dephosphorylation
events of eukaryotic elongation/initiation factors;
Pb regulates gene expression through the regulation
of histone acetylases and Pb regulates calcium
dependent transcription factor myocyte enhance
factor-2. Quantitative PCR was employed in
validating the microarray result and showed that
Microarrays and qRT-PCR yield comparable results.

Autorentext

Worlanyo E. Gato obtained his PhD from WMU. Dr Gato taught at St. Cloud State Univ as Asst. Prof. of Chemistry for two years and is currently an Associate Scientist of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Southern Illinois Univ. Dr. Jay C. Means, a Professor of Toxicology and Chemistry is currently the Dean of Science at Southern Illinois Univ.

Klappentext

The primary objective of this work was to analyze global gene expression patterns occurring in Fisher 344 rat livers exposed to varying levels of lead. Results showed differentially expressed genes including genes cited in the literature and several not previously reported to be affected by lead toxicity. Expression profiles were clustered and gene ontology (GO) revealed 15 GO categories affected by chronic (90d) exposure, while 3 GO categories were affected during (30d) exposures. Pathways emphasized the importance of Pb in modulating various cellular events in a manner similar to calcium regulation, including calcium signaling phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, histone acetylation and deacetylation. Conclusions include: Pb controls mammalian protein synthesis via regulating phosphorylation or dephosphorylation events of eukaryotic elongation/initiation factors; Pb regulates gene expression through the regulation of histone acetylases and Pb regulates calcium dependent transcription factor myocyte enhance factor-2. Quantitative PCR was employed in validating the microarray result and showed that Microarrays and qRT-PCR yield comparable results.