Cadmium modulates the mRNA expression and activity of glutathione S-transferase in the monogonont Rotifer Brachionus koreanus

Abstract

Cadmium has adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Here, we measured the ROS level, total GSH contents and total GST activity after exposure to Cd. In addition, the mRNA expression of four GST isoforms was investigated in response to Cd using real-time RT-PCR in the monogonant rotifer, Brachionus koreanus. As results, intracellular ROS level was elevated, total GSH content was declined, and GST activity was significantly elevated in Cd-exposed group, indicating that Cd can induce oxidative stress by producing ROS, and GSH and GST may be involved in cellular protection against Cd-induced toxicity. After exposure to Cd, mRNA expression of Bk-GST isoforms was differently modulated. In particular, Bk-GST-omega mRNA level was highly sensitive to Cd exposure, indicating that this isoform play a key role in protective responses to Cd in this species and would be useful as a molecular biomarker for monitoring of heavy metal toxicity in aquatic environment.