Concentrations Of Arsenite Research Articles

A simple spectrophotometric method for rapid quantitative screening of arsenic bio-transforming bacteria

Abstract A simple spectrophotometric technique for inorganic arsenic speciation of known total arsenic has been developed for application in quantitative screening of arsenite-oxidizing and arsenate-reducing bacteria from the wide range of environmental isolates. The technique is based on the spectrophotometric absorbance measurement of the color intensity in the arsenic and potassium permanganate mixture. Since arsenate does not react with potassium permanganate, the intensity of color decreases proportionately with the increasing concentration of arsenite in the total arsenic. The speciation method can be used over a pH range of 4–9. The validity of the results obtained from this spectrophotometric method was confirmed with the Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS). This method has great potential for the screening of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria.

Spatial variability of arsenic speciation in the Gironde Estuary: Emphasis on dynamic (potentially bioavailable) inorganic arsenite and arsenate fractions

Inorganic arsenic (As) speciation and behaviour were studied in the Gironde Estuary, a major European estuary in the south west of France. For the first time ever, the dynamic (potentially bioavailable) fraction of inorganic arsenite, As(III), and arsenate, As(V), were quantified in this estuary, using an antifouling gel-integrated gold microelectrode interrogated by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (GIME-SWASV). The concentrations of dissolved As(III) and As(V) were determined by hydrid generation-flow injection-atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-FI-AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in collected samples following filtration through 0.2 μm, as well as 0.02 μm pore size filters. The concentrations of arsenite in the dynamic fraction, As(III)dyn, ranged from 1.3 to 3.3 nM, contributing almost completely to the dissolved arsenite, As(III)diss, which ranged between 0.9 and 3.1 nM in the 0.2 μm fraction, and between 1.2 and 3.7 nM in the 0.02 μm fraction. Concentrations of arsenate in the dynamic fraction, As(V)dyn, ranged from 0.9 to 22.9 nM, and contributed to the dissolved arsenate, As(V)diss, by 4–73% in the 0.2 μM fraction, and by 5–90% in the 0.02 μm fraction. The concentrations of As(V)diss in the 0.2 μm fraction were between 14.5 and 36.2 nM, and between 15.2 and 34.9 nM in the 0.02 μm fraction.The impact of this work is two-fold. Measurements of As species with different techniques allowed one to validate the on-board GIME voltammetric measurements. In addition, determination of As species in different fractions, as well as combining the obtained results with the conducted measurements of dissolved Mn and Fe, particulate suspended matters, and master physicochemical parameters (T, pH, O2, redox E), helped to broaden the understanding of biotic and abiotic processes governing the distribution of arsenic, especially its potentially bioavailable forms, in the Gironde Estuary.

Phytotoxicity of Arsenite on Early Seedling Growth of Mung Bean: A Threat to Potential Pulse Cultivation

Arsenic toxicity has gained at present an alarming global importance. Pulse crop is very sensitive to arsenic contaminated groundwater. In order to determine the phytotoxicity, effects of Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on seed germination and early development of Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cv. B-105) seedlings were investigated. Sodium arsenite had a toxic effect and posed a stress over germination parameters and early growth of mungbean seedlings. Considerable reduction in seed germination percentage and seedling vigour index was recorded due to arsenite. Sodium arsenite inhibited growth at very small concentrations such as 0.5µM. With the increase in concentration of sodium arsenite (0.5µM, 1µM, 2µM), significant decrease in seedling length i.e., shoot length and root length was observed. Arsenite was found to be more toxic for root growth than for shoot growth. Decrease in primary leaf area was also observed with increase in concentration of sodium arsenite. Number of stomata decreased and hence, reduction in stomatal density and stomatal index was also observed. Fresh weight and dry weight also reduced appreciably in the arsenite stressed seedlings. Treatment with 2µM concentration proved to be the most sensitive concentration for arsenite application by giving least values for seedling length and seedling vigour index.

Immobilization of fluorescent bacterial bioreporter for arsenic detection.

Whole-cell bacterial biosensors hold great promise as a practical complementary approach for in-field detection of arsenic. Although there are various bacterial bioreporter systems for arsenic detection, fewer studies reported the immobilization of arsenic bioreporters. This study aimed at determining immobilization of specific bacterial bioreporter in agar and alginate biopolymers to measure level of arsenite and/or arsenate. To achieve sensitive detection, immobilization parameters of polymer concentration and cell density were evaluated. Moreover, by changing the culture medium, immobilized bioreporter cells in minimal medium can detect arsenite while they can detect both arsenite and arsenate in phosphate-limited minimal medium. When optimal parameters were applied, agar and alginate immobilized bioreporter systems can detect arsenite and arsenate concentrations of 10μg/l and 200μg/l within 5h and 2h, respectively. The results showed that the immobilized bacterial bioreporter systems are able to determine the concentrations of the two abundant species of arsenic; arsenite and arsenate, as opposed to other studies which reported only arsenite detection. This is the first study describe agar hydrogel and alginate bead immobilization of fluorescent arsenic bacterial bioreporter that can detect both arsenite and arsenate at the safe drinking water limit. Thus, this study will enable further steps to be taken towards developing sensitive and selective portable devices to assess environmental arsenic contamination and prevent acute arsenic toxicity.

Arsenite-Induced Mitochondrial Superoxide Formation: Time and Concentration Requirements for the Effects of the Metalloid on the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria.

The present study used human myeloid leukemia U937 cells, a versatile promonocytic cellular system that, based on its endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/mitochondria functional relationships, responds to low micromolar concentrations of arsenite with a single, defined mechanism of superoxide (O2 -.) formation. Under these conditions, we observe an initial Ca2+ mobilization from the ER associated with the mitochondrial accumulation of the cation, which is followed by Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial O2 -. (mitoO2 -.) formation. These events, which were barely detectable after 3 hours, were better appreciated at 6 hours. We found that markedly shorter exposure to arsenite and lower concentrations of arsenite are required to induce extensive O2 - formation in cells supplemented with inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) or ryanodine receptor (RyR) agonists. Indeed, nanomolar arsenite induced maximal O2 -. formation after only 10 minutes of exposure, and this response was uniquely dependent on the enforced mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation. The dramatic anticipation of and sensitization to the effects of arsenite caused by the IP3R or RyR agonists were accompanied by a parallel significant genotoxic response in the absence of detectable mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity. We conclude that the prolonged, low-micromolar arsenite exposure paradigm resulting in mitoO2 -. formation is necessary to affect Ca2+ homeostasis and accumulate the cation in mitochondria. The arsenite requirements to promote mitoO2 -. formation in the presence of sufficient mitochondrial Ca2+ were instead remarkably lower in terms of both concentration and time of exposure. These conditions were associated with the induction of extensive DNA strand scission in the absence of detectable signs of toxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In respiration-proficient cells, arsenite causes mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation and Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial superoxide formation. We now report that the second event requires remarkably lower concentrations of and time of exposure to the metalloid than the former. Indeed, a brief exposure to nanomolar levels of arsenite produced maximal effects under conditions in which the mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) was increased by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor or ryanodine receptor agonists. Hence, specific substances or conditions enhancing the [Ca2+]m may potentiate the deleterious effects of arsenite by selectively increasing mitochondrial superoxide formation.

Voltammetric Determination of Arsenic with Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

AbstractIn this study, glassy carbon electrode modified with nano gold‐crystal violet film has been used to detect arsenite (As (III)) in a model system and in groundwater samples. The modified electrode was characterized by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Using voltammetric measuring technique, linear response was obtained in a concentration range of 2.0–22.0 μM. The arsenite concentrations in groundwater samples varied between 2.4 μM to 4.8 μM. The sensitivity of the modified electrode for As (III) detection was 5.6 μA/μM cm2 and 0.8 μM concentration was found as lower limit of detection (LOD). The accuracy of the method was checked with standard method anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Groundwater samples were characterized with dynamic (DLS) and electrophoretic (ELS) light scattering measurements which have shown that particles present in different samples differ in size distribution and zeta potential which did not interfere with As (III) detection.

Low concentrations of sodium arsenite induce hepatotoxicity in prepubertal male rats.

Arsenic (As) can contaminate air, soil, water, and organisms through mobilization of natural mineralogical deposits or anthropogenic actions. Inorganic-As compounds are more toxic and widely available in aquatic environments, including drinking water reservoir catchments. Since little is known about its effects on prepubertal mammals, the present study focused on it. Hence, As was administered through drinking water to male Wistar rats from postnatal day 23 to 53. Negative control group received vehicle only (filtered water); As 1 group received AsNaO2 at 0.01 mg L-1 and As2 group received AsNaO2 at 10 mg L-1 . It was investigated hepatic and renal toxicity of AsNaO2 (ie, histopathology and apoptosis analysis), as well as its mutagenicity (ie, micronucleus test in liver and bone marrow), cytotoxicity (ie, frequency and type of erythrocytes in blood), and genotoxicity (ie, comet assay in blood). Also, As determination was performed in hepatic and renal tissues. Data obtained revealed that immature organisms present a pattern of arsenic accumulation similar to that observed in adults, suggesting similarity in metabolic processes. In addition, liver showed to be an important target tissue for As toxicity in these experimental conditions, exhibiting infiltrate of defense cells, DNA damages, and increased apoptosis rates.

Comparative Study on Electrochemical Treatment of Arsenite: Effects of Process Parameters, Sludge Characterization and Kinetics

This study involves the application of electrocoagulation process to remove arsenite from simulated groundwater using steel, aluminium, platinum and glassy carbon in a 2-L batch reactor setup. It was observed that arsenite was initially oxidized to arsenate. In the case of glassy carbon and platinum electrodes, arsenate build-up was found in the solution due to the lack of floc formation. However, in the case of steel and aluminium electrodes, the flocs generated effectively adsorbed the arsenate produced. Parametric studies reveal the highest removal efficiency of arsenite at low pH, high current and low concentration, with the optimum removal according to surface response methodology achieved at pH 4, 1.2 A and 10 ppm. Electrical energy consumption evaluation shows that operating at the optimum conditions, 653.33 kWh/kg is required to achieve WHO limit from an initial arsenite concentration of 10 ppm. Kinetic studies indicate that the rate is best described by first-order model. The sludges obtained after the electrocoagulation process using the steel and aluminium electrodes further reveal the adsorption of arsenic species onto the metal hydroxide surfaces.

PIN FORMED 2 Modulates the Transport of Arsenite in Arabidopsis thaliana

Arsenic contamination is a major environmental issue, as it may lead to serious health hazard. The reduced trivalent form of inorganic arsenic, arsenite, is in general more toxic to plants compared with the fully oxidized pentavalent arsenate. The uptake of arsenite in plants has been shown to be mediated through a large subfamily of plant aquaglyceroporins, nodulin 26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs). However, the efflux mechanisms, as well as the mechanism of arsenite-induced root growth inhibition, remain poorly understood. Using molecular physiology, synchrotron imaging, and root transport assay approaches, we show that the cellular transport of trivalent arsenicals in Arabidopsis thaliana is strongly modulated by PIN FORMED 2 (PIN2) auxin efflux transporter. Root transport assay using radioactive arsenite, X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) coupled with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis revealed that pin2 plants accumulate higher concentrations of arsenite in roots compared with the wild-type. At the cellular level, arsenite specifically targets intracellular sorting of PIN2 and thereby alters the cellular auxin homeostasis. Consistently, loss of PIN2 function results in arsenite hypersensitivity in roots. XFI coupled with XAS further revealed that loss of PIN2 function results in specific accumulation of arsenical species, but not the other metals such as iron, zinc, or calcium in the root tip. Collectively, these results suggest that PIN2 likely functions as an arsenite efflux transporter for the distribution of arsenical species in planta.

Orlistat increases arsenite tolerance in THP-1 derived macrophages through the up-regulation of ABCA1

Orlistat is an FDA-approved over-the-counter drug to treat obesity through the inhibition of lipase activity. Macrophages, which express high levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), are important phagocytes in the innate immune system. Our previous studies indicated that environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenite (As+3) could inhibit the major immune functions of macrophages. As the down-regulation of LPL is known to increase the expression of ABCA1, the cholesterol exporter demonstrated to be related to the resistance of arsenic toxicity. We examined if orlistat could reverse the inhibitive effects of As+3 on macrophage functions. The results showed that 50 μM orlistat reversed As+3-induced suppressions on phagocytosis, NO production and cytokine secretion in THP-1 derived macrophages. The expression of ABCA1 was significantly increased by orlistat in As+3 co-treated macrophages, which was associated with decreased intracellular As+3 levels. Collectively, these results indicated that orlistat could reverse the suppressive effects induced by As+3 in macrophages through the increased expression of ABCA1, which has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for arsenic-induced immunosuppression.

Role of mitochondrial DNA in oxidative damage induced by sodium arsenite in human bronchial epithelial cells

ABSTRACTLong-term exposure to sodium arsenite was found to induce malignant transformation in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell line as evidenced by elevated ROS levels. Although chronic sodium arsenite-induced HBE cell line transformation was associated with elevated ROS generation, it was of interest to determine whether acute sodium arsenite exposure also initiated pulmonary damage. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate oxidative-stress-related pulmonary damage using a human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell line. Incubation of ρ+-HBE (in the presence of mitochondrial DNA) cells with various concentrations of sodium arsenite, significantly increased ROS and MDA levels accompanied by decreased SOD activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, treatment of ρ–HBE (without mitochondrial DNA) cells various concentrations of sodium arsenite a reduction in ROS and MDA levels were noted. However, the SOD activity remained decreased in ρ–HBE cells. This was accompanied by a significant rise in HO-1 protein expressions levels in both cell types with greater changes ρ–HBE cells at the lower sodium arsenite concentrations. Data indicate that acute sodium arsenite exposure exerted a greater effect ρ–HBE cells suggesting that absence of mitochondrial DNA appears to enhance sensitivity to the oxidant actions of inorganic As.

Environmentally benign fabrication of SnO2-CNT nanohybrids and their multifunctional efficiency as an adsorbent, catalyst and antimicrobial agent for water decontamination

Herein, we described a biogenic, additive fee, eco-friendly synthesized SnO2-CNT nanohybrid as an efficient, re-collectable and reusable material for onsite water remediation. We demonstrated that the SnO2-CNTs can provide a one stop solution for water remediation as it effectively accomplished the major treatment tasks like adsorption, catalytic transformation/degradation and disinfection. The structural, morphological, surface chemical compositions of the nanocomposite and the adsorption, catalytic and antimicrobial properties were investigated using common characterization and instrumental techniques. The results revealed the brilliant efficiency of SnO2-CNT nanoadsorbent towards As (III) and a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of 106.95 mg/g was observed at high arsenite concentration (C0 = 1 mg/L). The nanoadsorbent was also found to be equally efficient in low arsenite concentration ranges (C0 = 100 μg/L) as it could bring down the arsenic concentration below maximum permissible limit. Moreover, using model pollutants like p-nitrophenol, Alizarin red S, Metronidazole, bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumonia etc.), and fungal strains (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans), the multifunctional capability of SnO2-CNT towards water decontamination has been established. Our results suggested the promising potential of hierarchical nano-heterojunctions for engineering efficient water treatment processes.

Environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenite induces developmental toxicity and oxidative responses in the early life stage of zebrafish

Arsenic (As) present in water is a nonignorable environmental issue, even at low concentrations (≤150 μg L−1). To evaluate the toxic effect of low concentrations of As, zebrafish at early life stage were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 75, or 150 μg L−1 AsIII for 120 h. Our results indicated that low concentration of AsIII decreased zebrafish larvae’s survival rate to 85%, 89% and 86% at 50, 75 and 150 μg L−1. Furthermore, low concentrations of AsIII exposure caused oxidative stress (elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and influenced the mRNA transcriptional levels of Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD) and damage (increased malondialdehyde levels). Meanwhile, zebrafish larvae regulated the mRNA transcription of metallothionein and heat shock protein 70 to alleviate toxicity caused by AsIII. These results revealed lower concentrations (≤150 μg L−1) of AsIII had a detriment effect on the survival of fish at early life stage, moreover, oxidative stress caused by AsIII posed potential risk for the zebrafish. This study provides novel insight into low concentration AsIII-induced toxicity in zebrafish.

Application of iron-modified biochar for arsenite removal and toxicity reduction

In the present study, the Miscanthus biochar was modified with amorphous iron (hydr)oxide to remove arsenite. The kinetic study indicated the chemical adsorption of arsenite on the iron-modified biochar. Additionally, the iron-modified biochar exhibited similar or higher adsorption of arsenite (56.06 and 47.90mg/g Fe for powder and beads, respectively) than previously reported composites. Moreover, the leached arsenite concentration from both the adsorbents was less than 2.02mg/L, which was not acutely toxic to Daphnia magna. Considering that it is not easy and safe to use adsorbents in powder form, the iron-modified biochar beads can be a promising adsorbent.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Two Thioalkalivibrio Species Under Arsenite Stress Revealed a Potential Candidate Gene for an Alternative Arsenite Oxidation Pathway.

The genus Thioalkalivibrio includes haloalkaliphilic chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria isolated from various soda lakes worldwide. Some of these lakes possess in addition to their extreme haloalkaline environment also other harsh conditions, to which Thioalkalivibrio needs to adapt. An example is arsenic in soda lakes in eastern California, which is found there in concentrations up to 3000 μM. Arsenic is a widespread element that can be an environmental issue, as it is highly toxic to most organisms. However, resistance mechanisms in the form of detoxification are widespread and some prokaryotes can even use arsenic as an energy source. We first screened the genomes of 76 Thioalkalivibrio strains for the presence of known arsenic oxidoreductases and found 15 putative ArxA (arsenite oxidase) and two putative ArrA (arsenate reductase). Subsequently, we studied the resistance to arsenite in detail in Thioalkalivibrio jannaschii ALM2T, and Thioalkalivibrio thiocyanoxidans ARh2T by comparative genomics and by growing them at different arsenite concentrations followed by arsenic species and transcriptomic analysis. Tv. jannaschii ALM2T, which has been isolated from Mono Lake, an arsenic-rich soda lake, could resist up to 5 mM arsenite, whereas Tv. thiocyanoxidans ARh2T, which was isolated from a Kenyan soda lake, could only grow up to 0.1 mM arsenite. Interestingly, both species oxidized arsenite to arsenate under aerobic conditions, although Tv. thiocyanoxidans ARh2T does not contain any known arsenite oxidases, and in Tv. jannaschii ALM2T, only arxB2 was clearly upregulated. However, we found the expression of a SoeABC-like gene, which we assume might have been involved in arsenite oxidation. Other arsenite stress responses for both strains were the upregulation of the vitamin B12 synthesis pathway, which can be linked to antioxidant activity, and the up- and downregulation of different DsrE/F-like genes whose roles are still unclear. Moreover, Tv. jannaschii ALM2T induced the ars gene operon and the Pst system, and Tv. thiocanoxidans ARh2T upregulated the sox and apr genes as well as different heat shock proteins. Our findings for Thioalkalivibrio confirm previously observed adaptations to arsenic, but also provide new insights into the arsenic stress response and the connection between the arsenic and the sulfur cycle.

Microbial sulfate reduction decreases arsenic mobilization in flooded paddy soils with high potential for microbial Fe reduction

Arsenic (As) tends to mobilize in flooded paddy soil due to the reductive dissolution of the iron (oxyhydr)oxides to which As sorbs, resulting in elevated As accumulation in rice that poses a potential risk to the food safety and human health. Microbial sulfate reduction is an important biogeochemical process in paddy soils, but its impact on As mobilization remains poorly understood. In this study, we incubated eight As-contaminated paddy soils under flooded conditions to investigate the effect of sulfate addition on As mobility. Porewater Fe and As concentrations and As species were determined. Among the eight soils, an addition of 50 mg S kg−1 as sodium sulfate decreased porewater arsenite only in two soils, which also showed a high mobilization of Fe2+. Further experiments showed that the addition of sulfate to these two soils stimulated microbial sulfate reduction but decreased porewater concentrations of both arsenite and Fe2+. Additionally, the supply of sulfate increased the fractions of As associated with acid volatile sulfides in the solid phase and decreased As uptake by rice in pot experiments under similar conditions. The effect of sulfate addition on porewater As was diminished by the addition of molybdate, an inhibitor of sulfate reducing bacteria. These results suggest the formation of secondary FeS minerals which co-precipitate or sorb arsenite as a likely mechanism of As immobilization, which was also supported by thermodynamic modeling of the pore water. Thus, sulfate additions can immobilize As and reduce its availability to rice plants in paddy soils containing a high potential for microbial Fe reduction, providing an efficient way to mitigate the As transfer to the food chain.

Screening and optimization of arsenic degrading bacteria and their potential role in heavy metal bioremediation

Industrialization has added extremely toxic metalloid arsenic into the environment which at high concentration severely threatens the biota. Naturally, some microbes possess the ability to bio-accumulate metals and also to transform arsenite (As III) a toxic form to a non-toxic arsenate As V. The present study aimed to isolate arsenic resistant bacterias from the arsenic contaminated soil and water. Among eleven bacterial isolates, three FAs 1, 4 and 9 exhibited tolerance against sodium arsenite at 100mM concentration by achieving growth of 7.48×109,1.57×109 and 2.23×109 C.F.U./ml, respectively. Optimization at different conditions such as temperature, pH and arsenic concentration revealed high arsenic tolerance from isolate FAs 4 (5.33×108) at 37°C and FAs 1 (4.43×108 C.F.U./ml) at pH 7. Arsenic resistance at optimum conditions for the bacterial strains FAs 1, FAs 4 and FAs 9 showed maximum growth at 80mM concentration of arsenite. These bacterial isolates did not show redox ability to oxidize arsenite As III to arsenate As V. However bacterial isolates FAs 1, FAs 4 and FAs 9 were able to accumulate arsenic 39.16, 148 and 125 µg/L on the 4th, 3rd and 5th day of incubation, respectively. The isolates FAs 1, FAs 4 and FAs 9 were identified as Gram negative non endospore forming rods. In future, these novel isolates possess a great potential in biotechnology field, as bioremediation of arsenic contaminated soil and water can be done by employing arsenic accumulating bacteria which is an eco-friendly and cost effective method.

Oxidative stress: One potential factor for arsenite-induced increase of N6-methyladenosine in human keratinocytes

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is affected by oxidative stress and gets involved in arsenite toxicity. However, whether oxidative stress is one factor in arsenite-induced alteration of m6A levels remains unclear. Here, reactive oxygen species (ROS), product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), antioxidants (GSH and SOD), m6A levels, m6A methyltransferases (METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP) and demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5) were detected in human keratinocytes exposed to different concentrations of arsenite. Antioxidant N-acetylcysteine was used to assess the influence of arsenite-induced oxidative stress on m6A modification. Possible regulations of m6A modification induced by arsenite were explored using bioinformatic analysis. Our results demonstrated that arsenite-induced oxidative stress increased the levels of m6A methylation possibly by mediating m6A methyltransferases and demethylases, especially elevated expressions of WTAP and METTL14, in human keratinocytes. Whereas N-acetylcysteine suppressed the elevated m6A level and its methyltransferases in human keratinocytes exposed to arsenite. Furthermore, arsenite-induced oxidative stress might mediate m6A methyltransferases and demethylases by reducing transcription of 4 genes (HECTD4, ABCA5, SLC22 A17 and KCNQ5) according to our bioinformatic analysis and experiments. Additionally, GO and Pathway analysis further suggested that the increase of m6A modification in arsenite-induced oxidative stress might be involved in some biological processes such as positive regulation of GTPase activity, apoptotic process, and platelet activation. Taken together, our study revealed the significant role of oxidative stress in m6A modification induced by arsenite.

Piezoelectric arsenite aptasensor based on the use of a self-assembled mercaptoethylamine monolayer and gold nanoparticles.

The authors describe a piezoelectric aptasensor for arsenite. A self assembeled monolayer (SAM) of mercaptoethylamine was prepared to immobilize arsenite on the surface of a quartz crystal microbalance. Gold nanoparticles were modified with arsenite aptamer to amplify the response frequency of the biosensor. Arsenite first binds to the SAM on the gold surface of the QCM. On addition of gold nanoparticles with aptamer (DNA-AuNp), the SAM-As(III)-aptamer sandwich is formed. This increases the resonance frequency of the sensor and allows trace concentration of arsenite to be determined. The aptasensor can detect arsenite in the 8 to 1000nmol·L-1 concentration range with a 4.4nmol·L-1 lower detection limit (at S/N = 3). The sandwich structure improves the specificity of the aptasensor without considering the conformational transition of the aptamer. The strategy described here conceivably has a large potential as it shows that small molecules can be sensed by using aptamers with unknown working mechanism. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a piezoelectric biosensor for arsenite detection by using a mercaptoethylamine monolayer and gold nanoparticles with respect to Arsenite first binds to the SAM on the gold surface of the QCM. Next, gold nanoparticles with aptamer (DNA-AuNp) are added to form a SAM-As(III)-aptamer sandwich which affects the resonance frequency.

Small molecule ISRIB suppresses the integrated stress response within a defined window of activation

Activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) by a variety of stresses triggers phosphorylation of the α-subunit of translation initiation factor eIF2. P-eIF2α inhibits eIF2B, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor that recycles inactive eIF2•GDP to active eIF2•GTP. eIF2 phosphorylation thereby represses translation. Persistent activation of the ISR has been linked to the development of several neurological disorders, and modulation of the ISR promises new therapeutic strategies. Recently, a small-molecule ISR inhibitor (ISRIB) was identified that rescues translation in the presence of P-eIF2α by facilitating the assembly of more active eIF2B. ISRIB enhances cognitive memory processes and has therapeutic effects in brain-injured mice without displaying overt side effects. While using ISRIB to investigate the ISR in picornavirus-infected cells, we observed that ISRIB rescued translation early in infection when P-eIF2α levels were low, but not late in infection when P-eIF2α levels were high. By treating cells with varying concentrations of poly(I:C) or arsenite to induce the ISR, we provide additional proof that ISRIB is unable to inhibit the ISR when intracellular P-eIF2α concentrations exceed a critical threshold level. Together, our data demonstrate that the effects of pharmacological activation of eIF2B are tuned by P-eIF2α concentration. Thus, ISRIB can mitigate undesirable outcomes of low-level ISR activation that may manifest neurological disease but leaves the cytoprotective effects of acute ISR activation intact. The insensitivity of cells to ISRIB during acute ISR may explain why ISRIB does not cause overt toxic side effects in vivo.