We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and picene mediate actions via estrogen receptor α signaling pathway in in vitro cell systems, altering gene expression
Summary
Researchers identified two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with microplastics — indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and picene — as binders to the human estrogen receptor α, and showed they alter gene expression patterns in breast cancer cells in ways potentially linked to tumor progression.
Currently, the environmental impact of ubiquitous plastic debris triggered quite some public attention. However, the global impact of microplastic on human health is by and large either unknown or neglected. By looking at the underlying biochemical mechanisms leading to the global health threat microplastic was discovered to carry persistent organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), to marine life. The effect of microplastic-ingestion in the human body remains unfortunately somewhat elusive as of yet. For this reason, we screened for compounds binding to the human estrogen receptor α (ERα) and identified the PAH compounds indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (Indpy) and picene (Pice) with a high binding affinity. We applied next generation sequencing to analyze the differentially expressed genes in MCF-7 cells after treatment with Indpy and Pice. We found 8 upregulated genes: ABCC5, CCNG2, CYP1A1, DDIT4, IER3, RUNX2, STC2, and SLC7A5 and 14 downregulated genes: ADORA1, CEBPB, CELSR2, CTSD, CXCL12, KRT19, PGR, PKIB, RARA, RET, SEMA3B, SIAH2, TFAP2C, and XBP1 induced by both ligands and associated with ESR1-regulation. The altered gene expression may influence cell proliferation and metastasis, favoring cancer development with a poor response to therapy. In addition, we confirmed the binding of Indpy and Pice to ERα using molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis. ERα activation was measured with ESR1-overexpressing HEK293 (HEK-ESR1) cells and confirmed for Indpy. In conclusion, we showed an ESR1-mediated influence of the PAH compounds Indpy and Pice on the gene expression pattern of MCF-7 cells, possibly also promoting breast cancer development in patients.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Bisphenolic compounds alter gene expression in MCF-7 cells through interaction with estrogen receptor α
Researchers used RNA sequencing and molecular binding assays to show that bisphenol A and three structural analogs (BPB, BPZ, 4MeBPA) released from plastics activate estrogen receptor alpha in human breast cancer cells, upregulating genes associated with cancer cell growth, invasion, and proliferation — providing evidence that BPA substitutes share similar endocrine-disrupting potential.
Organophosphate ester tri-o-cresyl phosphate interacts with estrogen receptor α in MCF-7 breast cancer cells promoting cancer growth
Researchers identified the organophosphate plasticizer tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) — which leaches from ocean microplastics — as a potent estrogen receptor alpha agonist, finding it activates gene expression patterns in breast cancer cells that promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Cancer may be induced by microplastics-sorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons?
This review explores the potential link between microplastics that have absorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cancer risk in humans. Researchers found that microplastics can act as carriers for persistent organic pollutants, and laboratory studies suggest these contaminated particles may enhance metastatic characteristics in cancer cells. The study indicates that the combination of microplastics and adsorbed pollutants may pose a heightened concern for human health.
Effects of microplastic interaction with persistent organic pollutants on the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptors
This study investigated how microplastics carrying absorbed chemical pollutants affect hormone-related receptors in human cells. The researchers found that pollutants attached to microplastic surfaces could activate estrogen receptors and interfere with normal hormone signaling. This suggests that microplastics may act as delivery vehicles for endocrine-disrupting chemicals, potentially contributing to hormone-related health problems in people.
Butyl octyl phthalate interacts with estrogen receptor α in MCF‑7 breast cancer cells to promote cancer development
Researchers found that butyl octyl phthalate, a plasticizer that leaches from microplastics, interacts with estrogen receptor alpha in MCF-7 breast cancer cells to promote cancer cell development, suggesting plastic-derived phthalates may act as endocrine disruptors affecting breast cancer progression.