High-Throughput Transcriptomics Screen of ToxCast Chemicals in U-2 OS Cells.

New approach methodologies (NAMs) aim to accelerate the pace of chemical risk assessment while simultaneously reducing cost and dependency on animal studies. High Throughput Transcriptomics (HTTr) is an emerging NAM in the field of chemical hazard evaluation for establishing in vitro points-of-departure and providing mechanistic insight. In the current study, 1201 test chemicals were screened for bioactivity at eight concentrations using a 24-h exposure duration in the human- derived U-2 OS osteosarcoma cell line with HTTr. Assay reproducibility was assessed using three reference chemicals that were screened on every assay plate. The resulting transcriptomics data were analyzed by aggregating signal from genes into signature scores using gene set enrichment analysis, followed by concentration-response modeling of signatures scores. Signature scores were used to predict putative mechanisms of action, and to identify biological pathway altering concentrations (BPACs). BPACs were consistent across replicates for each reference chemical, with replicate BPAC standard deviations as low as 5.6 × 10-3 µM, demonstrating the internal reproducibility of HTTr-derived potency estimates. BPACs of test chemicals showed modest agreement (R2 = 0.55) with existing phenotype altering concentrations from high throughput phenotypic profiling using Cell Painting of the same chemicals in the same cell line. Altogether, this HTTr based chemical screen contributes to an accumulating pool of publicly available transcriptomic data relevant for chemical hazard evaluation and reinforces the utility of cell based molecular profiling methods in estimating chemical potency and predicting mechanism of action across a diverse set of chemicals.

Application of Cell Painting for chemical hazard evaluation in support of screening-level chemical assessments.

'Cell Painting' is an imaging-based high-throughput phenotypic profiling (HTPP) method in which cultured cells are fluorescently labeled to visualize subcellular structures (i.e., nucleus, nucleoli, endoplasmic reticulum, cytoskeleton, Golgi apparatus / plasma membrane and mitochondria) and to quantify morphological changes in response to chemicals or other perturbagens. HTPP is a high-throughput and cost-effective bioactivity screening method that detects effects associated with many different molecular mechanisms in an untargeted manner, enabling rapid in vitro hazard assessment for thousands of chemicals. Here, 1201 chemicals from the ToxCast library were screened in concentration-response up to ∼100 µM in human U-2 OS cells using HTPP. A phenotype altering concentration (PAC) was estimated for chemicals active in the tested range. PACs tended to be higher than lower bound potency values estimated from a broad collection of targeted high-throughput assays, but lower than the threshold for cytotoxicity. In vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) was used to estimate administered equivalent doses (AEDs) based on PACs for comparison to human exposure predictions. AEDs for 18/412 chemicals overlapped with predicted human exposures. Phenotypic profile information was also leveraged to identify putative mechanisms of action and group chemicals. Of 58 known nuclear receptor modulators, only glucocorticoids and retinoids produced characteristic profiles; and both receptor types are expressed in U-2 OS cells. Thirteen chemicals with profile similarity to glucocorticoids were tested in a secondary screen and one chemical, pyrene, was confirmed by an orthogonal gene expression assay as a novel putative GR modulating chemical. Most active chemicals demonstrated profiles not associated with a known mechanism-of-action. However, many structurally related chemicals produced similar profiles, with exceptions such as diniconazole, whose profile differed from other active conazoles. Overall, the present study demonstrates how HTPP can be applied in screening-level chemical assessments through a series of examples and brief case studies.

Autophagy in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Metal Neurotoxicity.

Autophagy generally refers to cell catabolic and recycling process in which cytoplasmic components are delivered to lysosomes for degradation. During the last two decades, autophagy research has experienced a recent boom because of a newfound connection between this process and many human diseases. Autophagy plays a significant role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and protects cells from varying insults, including misfolded and aggregated proteins and damaged organelles, which is particularly crucial in neuronal survival. Mounting evidence has implicated autophagic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of several major neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease, where deficient elimination of abnormal and toxic protein aggregates promotes cellular stress, failure and death. In addition, autophagy has also been found to affect neurotoxicity induced by exposure to essential metals, such as manganese, copper, and iron, and other heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, and methylmercury. This review examines current literature on the role of autophagy in the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis amongst common neurodegenerative disorders and of metal-induced neurotoxicity.

Anthocyanin-rich açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) extract attenuates manganese-induced oxidative stress in rat primary astrocyte cultures.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for human health. However, at high concentrations Mn may be neurotoxic. Mn accumulates in astrocytes, affecting their redox status. In view of the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the exotic Brazilian fruit açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), its methanolic extract was obtained by solid-phase extraction (SPE). This açaí extract showed considerable anthocyanins content and direct antioxidant capacity. The açaí extract scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH•) with an EC50 of 19.1 ppm, showing higher antioxidant activity compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), but lower than ascorbic acid and quercetin. This obtained açaí extract also attenuated Mn-induced oxidative stress in primary cultured astrocytes. Specifically, the açaí extract at an optimal and nutritionally relevant concentration of 0.1 µg/ml prevented Mn-induced oxidative stress by (1) restoring GSH/GSSG ratio and net glutamate uptake, (2) protecting astrocytic membranes from lipid peroxidation, and (3) decreasing Mn-induced expression of erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) protein. A larger quantity of açaí extract exacerbated the effects of Mn on these parameters except with respect to lipid peroxidation assessed by means of F2-isoprostanes. These studies indicate that at nutritionally relevant concentration, anthocyanins obtained from açaí protect astrocytes against Mn neurotoxicity, but at high concentrations, the "pro-oxidant" effects of its constituents likely prevail. Future studies may be profitably directed at potential protective effects of açaí anthocyanins in nutraceutical formulations.

An expert-driven literature review of "negative" chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vitro assay evaluation.

To date, approximately 200 chemicals have been tested in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) guideline studies, leaving thousands of chemicals without traditional animal information on DNT hazard potential. To address this data gap, a battery of in vitro DNT new approach methodologies (NAMs) has been proposed. Evaluation of the performance of this battery will increase the confidence in its use to determine DNT chemical hazards. One approach to evaluate DNT NAM performance is to use a set of chemicals to evaluate sensitivity and specificity. Since a list of chemicals with potential evidence of in vivo DNT has been established, this study aims to develop a curated list of "negative" chemicals for inclusion in a "DNT NAM evaluation set". A workflow, including a literature search followed by an expert-driven literature review, was used to systematically screen 39 chemicals for lack of DNT effect. Expert panel members evaluated the scientific robustness of relevant studies to inform chemical categorizations. Following review, the panel discussed each chemical and made categorical determinations of "Favorable", "Not Favorable", or "Indeterminate" reflecting acceptance, lack of suitability, or uncertainty given specific limitations and considerations, respectively. The panel determined that 10, 22, and 7 chemicals met the criteria for "Favorable", "Not Favorable", and "Indeterminate", for use as negatives in a DNT NAM evaluation set. Ultimately, this approach not only supports DNT NAM performance evaluation but also highlights challenges in identifying large numbers of negative DNT chemicals.

Optimization of Human Neural Progenitor Cells for an Imaging-Based High-Throughput Phenotypic Profiling Assay for Developmental Neurotoxicity Screening.

Studies in in vivo rodent models have been the accepted approach by regulatory agencies to evaluate potential developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) of chemicals for decades. These studies, however, are inefficient and cannot meet the demand for the thousands of chemicals that need to be assessed for DNT hazard. As such, several in vitro new approach methods (NAMs) have been developed to circumvent limitations of these traditional studies. The DNT NAMs, some of which utilize human-derived cell models, are intended to be employed in a testing battery approach, each focused on a specific neurodevelopmental process. The need for multiple assays, however, to evaluate each process can prolong testing and prioritization of chemicals for more in depth assessments. Therefore, a multi-endpoint higher-throughput approach to assess DNT hazard potential would be of value. Accordingly, we have adapted a high-throughput phenotypic profiling (HTPP) approach for use with human-derived neural progenitor (hNP1) cells. HTPP is a fluorescence-based assay that quantitatively measures alterations in cellular morphology. This approach, however, required optimization of several laboratory procedures prior to chemical screening. First, we had to determine an appropriate cell plating density in 384-well plates. We then had to identify the minimum laminin concentration required for optimal cell growth and attachment. And finally, we had to evaluate whether addition of antibiotics to the culture medium would alter cellular morphology. We selected 6,000 cells/well as an appropriate plating density, 20 µg/ml laminin for optimal cell growth and attachment, and antibiotic addition in the culture medium. After optimizing hNP1 cell culture conditions for HTPP, it was then necessary to select appropriate in-plate assay controls from a reference chemical set. These reference chemicals were previously demonstrated to elicit unique phenotypic profiles in various other cell types. Aphidicolin, bafilomycin A1, berberine chloride, and cucurbitacin I induced robust phenotypic profiles as compared to dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle control in the hNP1 cells, and thus can be employed as in-plate assay controls for subsequent chemical screens. We have optimized HTPP for hNP1 cells, and consequently this approach can now be assessed as a potential NAM for DNT hazard evaluation and results compared to previously developed DNT assays.

Methylmercury modifies temporally expressed myogenic regulatory factors to inhibit myoblast differentiation.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a pervasive environmental toxicant, with known detrimental effects on neurodevelopment. Despite a longstanding paradigm of neurotoxicity, where motor deficits are prevalent among those developmentally exposed, consideration of muscle as a MeHg target has received minimal investigation. Recent evidence has identified muscle-specific gene networks that modulate developmental sensitivity to MeHg toxicity. One such network is muscle cell differentiation. Muscle cell differentiation is a coordinated process regulated by the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs): Myf5, MyoD, MyoG, and MRF4. A previous study demonstrated that MeHg inhibits muscle cell differentiation in vitro, concurrent with reduced MyoG expression. The potential for MeHg to modify the temporal expression of the MRFs to alter differentiation, however, has yet to be fully explored. Using the C2C12 mouse myoblast model, we examined MRF expression profiles at various stages subsequent to MeHg exposure to proliferating myoblasts. MeHg was seen to persistently alter myoblast differentiation capacity, as myod, myog, and mrf4 gene expression were all affected. Myog exhibited the most robust changes in expression across the various culture conditions, while myf5 was unaffected. Following MeHg exposure to myoblasts, where elevated p21 expression indicated departure from proliferation, cells failed to subsequently differentiate, even in the absence of MeHg, as reflected by a concurrent reduction in MRF4 and myosin heavy chain (MHC), markers of terminal differentiation. Our results indicate that within a brief window of exposure MeHg can disrupt the intrinsic myogenic differentiation program of proliferative myoblasts.

Methylmercury Epigenetics.

Methylmercury (MeHg) has conventionally been investigated for effects on nervous system development. As such, epigenetic modifications have become an attractive mechanistic target, and research on MeHg and epigenetics has rapidly expanded in the past decade. Although, these inquiries are a recent advance in the field, much has been learned in regards to MeHg-induced epigenetic modifications, particularly in the brain. In vitro and in vivo controlled exposure studies illustrate that MeHg effects microRNA (miRNA) expression, histone modifications, and DNA methylation both globally and at individual genes. Moreover, some effects are transgenerationally inherited, as organisms not directly exposed to MeHg exhibited biological and behavioral alterations. miRNA expression generally appears to be downregulated consequent to exposure. Further, global histone acetylation also seems to be reduced, persist at distinct gene promoters, and is contemporaneous with enhanced histone methylation. Moreover, global DNA methylation appears to decrease in brain-derived tissues, but not in the liver; however, selected individual genes in the brain are hypermethylated. Human epidemiological studies have also identified hypo- or hypermethylated individual genes, which correlated with MeHg exposure in distinct populations. Intriguingly, several observed epigenetic modifications can be correlated with known mechanisms of MeHg toxicity. Despite this knowledge, however, the functional consequences of these modifications are not entirely evident. Additional research will be necessary to fully comprehend MeHg-induced epigenetic modifications and the impact on the toxic response.

GSK-3ß, a double-edged sword in Nrf2 regulation: Implications for neurological dysfunction and disease.

In the past decade, it has become evident that glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) modulates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) oxidative stress response. GSK-3ß functions as an inhibitor, both directly in the activation and indirectly in the post-induction of Nrf2. The incidence of oxidative stress in neurological dysfunction and disease has made this signaling pathway an attractive therapeutic target. There is minimal evidence, however, to support a distinctive function for GSK-3ß mediated Nrf2 inhibition in nervous system decline, apart from the typical oxidative stress response. In both Alzheimer's disease and brain ischemia, this pathway has been explored for potential benefits on disease etiology and advancement. Presently, it is unclear whether GSK-3ß mediated Nrf2 inhibition markedly influences these disease states. Furthermore, the potential that each has unique function in neurodegenerative decline is unsubstantiated.

Methylmercury augments Nrf2 activity by downregulation of the Src family kinase Fyn.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent developmental neurotoxicant that induces an oxidative stress response in the brain. It has been demonstrated that MeHg exposure increases nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that translocates to the nucleus in response to oxidative stress, and upregulates phase II detoxifying enzymes. Although, Nrf2 activity is augmented subsequent to MeHg exposure, it has yet to be established whether Nrf2 moves into the nucleus as a result. Furthermore, the potential effect MeHg might have on the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Fyn, has not been addressed. Fyn phosphorylates Nrf2 in the nucleus, resulting in its inactivation, and consequent downregulation of the oxidative stress response. Here, we observe Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus subsequent to MeHg-induced oxidative stress. This response is concomitant with reduced Fyn expression and nuclear localization. Moreover, we detected an increase in phosphorylated Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3ß) at activating and inhibitory sites, respectively. Akt phosphorylates and inhibits GSK-3ß, which subsequently prevents Fyn phosphorylation to signal nuclear import. Our results demonstrate MeHg downregulates Fyn to maintain Nrf2 activity, and further illuminate a potential mechanism by which MeHg elicits neurotoxicity.

BXD recombinant inbred strains participate in social preference, anxiety and depression behaviors along sex-differences in cytokines and tactile allodynia.

Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a major public health concern. Dysregulation of oxidative and inflammatory systems may be associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Due to the need to find appropriate animal models to the understanding of such disorders, we queried whether 2 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice strains (BXD21/TyJ RI and BXD84/RwwJ RI mice) and C57BL/6 wild-type mice show differential performance in depression and anxiety related behaviors and biomarkers. Specifically, we assessed social preference, elevated plus maze, forced swim, and Von Frey tests at 3-4 months-of-age, as well as activation of cytokines and antioxidant mRNA levels in the cortex at 7 months-of-age. We report that (1) the BXD84/RwwJ RI strain exhibits anxiety disorder and social avoidance-like behavior (2) BXD21/TyJ RI strain shows a resistance to depression illness, and (3) sex-dependent cytokine profiles and allodynia with elevated inflammatory activity were inherent to male BXD21/TyJ RI mice. In conclusion, we provide novel data in favor of the use of BXD recombinant inbred mice to further understand anxiety and depression disorders.

Dysregulation of Glutamate Cycling Mediates Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity.

To examine the toxicological implications of glutamate, this chapter will focus specifically on its impact in the brain. More explicitly, it will illustrate the role glutamate plays in mediating methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity. In this chapter, one intends to highlight the processes that occur prior to glutamate-stimulated excitotoxicity and subsequent neurodegeneration. As such, it will emphasize three main routes by which MeHg alters glutamate homeostasis. It is essential to recognize that these effects are not mutually exclusive, and that they synergistically influence glutamate dysregulation. Furthermore, the consequences of MeHg exposure will be presented here as a direct pathway; however, it must be noted these effects occur simultaneously. First, glutamate uptake will be reviewed emphasizing the function of astrocytes. Next, the induction of oxidative stress by MeHg exposure will be discussed. This process has a two-fold effect on glutamate homeostasis by (1) inhibiting extracellular glutamate uptake and (2) altering transcription of genes vital to glutamate cycling. Finally, the impact glutamate dysregulation has on glutathione synthesis will be examined. Although this chapter centers on the link between glutamate and MeHg toxicity, it is imperative that the reader acknowledges the processes discussed here can be extended to any pro-oxidant.

Exposure, epidemiology, and mechanism of the environmental toxicant manganese.

It has become increasingly apparent that global manganese (Mn) pollution to air and water is a significant threat to human health. Despite this recognition, research is only beginning to comprehend the detrimental effects of exposure. Mn, while essential, is particularly harmful to the central nervous system, and overexposure is symptomatic of several neurological disorders. At-risk populations have been identified, but it is still unclear whether typical exposure levels have any long-term consequences. Those at an elevated risk have diminished intellectual function, learning and memory, and mental development. While the overall mechanism of toxicity is undetermined, Mn has been found to induce oxidative stress, exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulate autophagy, and promote apoptosis, ultimately enhancing neurodegeneration. Extrapolation of this in vitro and in vivo data to humans is difficult. There is a definite need to correlate epidemiological studies with causative effects. It is imperative that research efforts endure, so threats are appropriately identified and exposure properly regulated.

Methylmercury and brain development: A review of recent literature.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent environmental pollutant, which elicits significant toxicity in humans. The central nervous system (CNS) is the primary target of toxicity, and is particularly vulnerable during development. Maternal exposure to MeHg via consumption of fish and seafood can have irreversible effects on the neurobehavioral development of children, even in the absence of symptoms in the mother. It is well documented that developmental MeHg exposure may lead to neurological alterations, including cognitive and motor dysfunction. The neurotoxic effects of MeHg on the developing brain have been extensively studied. The mechanism of toxicity, however, is not fully understood. No single process can explain the multitude of effects observed in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. This review summarizes the most current knowledge on the effects of MeHg during nervous system development considering both, in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Considerable attention was directed towards the role of glutamate and calcium dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the effects of MeHg on cytoskeletal components/regulators.

Comparison of chemical-induced changes in proliferation and apoptosis in human and mouse neuroprogenitor cells.

There is a need to develop rapid and efficient models to screen chemicals for their potential to cause developmental neurotoxicity. Use of in vitro neuronal models, including human cells, is one approach that allows for timely, cost-effective toxicity screening. The present study compares the sensitivity of human (ReN CX) and mouse (mCNS) neuroprogenitor cell lines to chemicals using a multiplex assay for proliferation and apoptosis, endpoints that are critical for neural development. Cells were exposed to 0.001-100 µM concentrations of 11 chemicals (cadmium, chlorpyrifos oxon, dexamethasone, dieldrin, ketamine, lead, maneb, methylmercury, nicotine, trans-retinoic acid, and trimethyltin) reported in the literature to affect proliferation and/or apoptosis, and 5 chemicals (dimethyl pthalate, glyphosate, omeprazole, saccharin, and d-sorbitol) with no reports of effects on either endpoint. High-content screening of markers for proliferation (BrdU incorporation) and apoptosis (activated caspase 3 and p53) was used to assess the effect of chemicals in both cell lines. Of the chemicals tested, methylmercury, cadmium, dieldrin, chlorpyrifos oxon, trans-retinoic acid, and trimethyltin decreased proliferation by at least 50% of control in either the ReN CX or mCNS cells. None of the chemicals tested activated caspase 3 or p53 in the ReN CX cells, while methylmercury, cadmium, dieldrin, chlorpyrifos oxon, trimethyltin, and glyphosate all induced at least a doubling in these apoptotic markers in the mCNS cells. Compared to control, cadmium, trans-retinoic acid, and trimethyltin decreased cell viability (ATP levels) by at least 50% in the ReN CX cells, while cadmium, dieldrin, and methylmercury decreased viability by at least 50% in the mCNS cells. Based on these results, BrdU is an appropriate marker for assessing chemical effects on proliferation, and human cells are more sensitive than mouse cells for this endpoint. By contrast, caspase 3 and p53 were altered by environmental chemicals in mouse, but not in human cells. Therefore, these markers are not appropriate to assess the ability of environmental chemicals to induce apoptosis in the ReN CX cells.