Molecular effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the Chironomus riparius estrogen-related receptor gene

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) mimic the action of endogenous estrogen hormones; consequently, they can interfere with the endocrine systems of a variety of organisms. There is global concern regarding the potential impacts of EDCs on the aquatic environment. To evaluate the effects of EDCs on the estrogen-related receptors (ERR) of Chironomus, we characterized full-length cDNA sequences of the ERR gene from Chironomus riparius. The complete cDNA sequence of the ERR gene was found to be 1332 bp in length. The results of our phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that C. riparius ERR was most closely related to that of mosquitoes. The basal level of ERR mRNA was expressed abundantly during different life-history stages, with the exception of adult males. Additionally, ERR gene expression was upregulated significantly in C. riparius exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) at all concentrations assayed after 24 h of exposure. The ERR gene was significantly upregulated following short periods of exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) concentrations of only 50 mg L −1. However, under long-term exposure conditions, ERR expression was induced to a significant degree after BPA, NP, and DEHP exposure at all concentrations assayed. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter gene assay revealed increased ERR expression following exposure to these compounds. Collectively, these findings indicate that EDCs influence the expression of ERR in Chironomus species.