Skip to main content

Toxicity Induction in Neurons and Muscle in Nematodes Exposed to Environmental Toxicants or Stresses

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Target Organ Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Neurons and muscle are potential secondary targeted organs for environmental toxicants in nematodes. We here first discussed the toxicity on development and functions of neurons in nematodes exposed to environmental toxicants or stresses. Six aspects of neurotoxicity induced by environmental toxicants or stresses were mainly introduced, and they are development and function of GABAergic neurons, development of dopaminergic neurons, development and function of sensory neurons, interneurons, complex behaviors, and neurotransmission. The toxicity on development and functions of muscle in nematodes exposed to environmental toxicants or stresses was further introduced and discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Wang D-Y (2018) Nanotoxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans. Springer, Singapore

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. Wang D-Y (2018) Molecular toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans. Springer, Singapore

    Book  Google Scholar 

  3. Yin J-C, Liu R, Jian Z-H, Yang D, Pu Y-P, Yin L-H, Wang D-Y (2018) Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced reproductive toxicity involved in DNA damage-dependent oocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 163:298–306

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Shao H-M, Han Z-Y, Krasteva N, Wang D-Y (2018) Identification of signaling cascade in the insulin signaling pathway in response to nanopolystyrene particles. Nanotoxicology. https://doi.org/10.1080/17435390.2018.1530395

  5. Ruan Q-L, Qiao Y, Zhao Y-L, Xu Y, Wang M, Duan J-A, Wang D-Y. (2016) Beneficial effects of Glycyrrhizae radix extract in preventing oxidative damage and extending the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. J Ethnopharmacol 177: 101–110

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Xiao G-S, Zhao L, Huang Q, Yang J-N, Du H-H, Guo D-Q, Xia M-X, Li G-M, Chen Z-X, Wang D-Y (2018) Toxicity evaluation of Wanzhou watershed of Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir in the flood season in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 8:6734

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Xiao G-S, Zhao L, Huang Q, Du H-H, Guo D-Q, Xia M-X, Li G-M, Chen Z-X, Wang D-Y (2018) Biosafety assessment of water samples from Wanzhou watershed of Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir in the quiet season in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 8:14102

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Qu M, Xu K-N, Li Y-H, Wong G, Wang D-Y (2018) Using acs-22 mutant Caenorhabditis elegans to detect the toxicity of nanopolystyrene particles. Sci Total Environ 643:119–126

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Dong S-S, Qu M, Rui Q, Wang D-Y (2018) Combinational effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and nanopolystyrene particles at environmentally relevant concentrations on nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 161:444–450

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Wang D-Y, Yu Y-L, Li Y-X, Wang Y, Wang D-Y (2014) Dopamine receptors antagonistically regulate behavioral choice between conflicting alternatives in C. elegans. PLoS ONE 9:e115985

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Yu Y-L, Zhi L-T, Wu Q-L, Jing L-N, Wang D-Y (2018) NPR-9 regulates innate immune response in Caenorhabditis elegans by antagonizing activity of AIB interneurons. Cell Mol Immunol 15:27–37

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Li Y-X, Yu S-H, Wu Q-L, Tang M, Pu Y-P, Wang D-Y (2012) Chronic Al2O3-nanoparticle exposure causes neurotoxic effects on locomotion behaviors by inducing severe ROS production and disruption of ROS defense mechanisms in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. J Hazard Mater 219–220:221–230

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Du M, Wang D-Y (2009) The neurotoxic effects of heavy metal exposure on GABAergic system in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 27:314–320

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Li Y-P, Li Y-X, Wu Q-L, Ye H-Y, Sun L-M, Ye B-P, Wang D-Y (2013) High concentration of vitamin E decreases thermosensation and thermotaxis learning and the underlying mechanisms in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 8:e71180

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Yu X-M, Guan X-M, Wu Q-L, Zhao Y-L, Wang D-Y (2015) Vitamin E ameliorates the neurodegeneration related phenotypes caused by neurotoxicity of Al2O3-nanoparticles in C. elegans. Toxicol Res 4:1269–1281

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Ju J-J, Ruan Q-L, Li X-B, Liu R, Li Y-H, Pu Y-P, Yin L-H, Wang D-Y (2013) Neurotoxicological evaluation of microcystin-LR exposure at environmental relevant concentrations on nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Environ Sci Pollut Res 20:1823–1830

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Negga R, Stuart JA, Machen ML, Salva J, Lizek AJ, Richardson SJ, Osborne AS, Mirallas O, McVey KA, Fitsanakis VA (2012) Exposure to glyphosate- and/or Mn/Zn-ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate-containing pesticides leads to degeneration of γ-aminobutyric acid and dopamine neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotox Res 21:281–290

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Zhao Y-L, Wu Q-L, Li Y-P, Wang D-Y (2013) Translocation, transfer, and in vivo safety evaluation of engineered nanomaterials in the non-mammalian alternative toxicity assay model of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. RSC Adv 3:5741–5757

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Ding X-C, Rui Q, Wang D-Y (2018) Functional disruption in epidermal barrier enhances toxicity and accumulation of graphene oxide. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 163:456–464

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Zhao L, Kong J-T, Krasteva N, Wang D-Y (2018) Deficit in epidermal barrier induces toxicity and translocation of PEG modified graphene oxide in nematodes. Toxicol Res 7:1061–1070

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Wang Q-Q, Zhao S-Q, Zhao Y-L, Rui Q, Wang D-Y (2014) Toxicity and translocation of graphene oxide in Arabidopsis plants under stress conditions. RSC Adv 4:60891–60901

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Zhao Y-L, Wang X, Wu Q-L, Li Y-P, Tang M, Wang D-Y (2015) Quantum dots exposure alters both development and function of D-type GABAergic motor neurons in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Res 4:399–408

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang D-Y, Xing X-J (2008) Assessment of locomotion behavioral defects induced by acute toxicity from heavy metal exposure in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. J Environ Sci 20:1132–1137

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Zhao Y-L, Wang X, Wu Q-L, Li Y-P, Wang D-Y (2015) Translocation and neurotoxicity of CdTe quantum dots in RMEs motor neurons in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. J Hazard Mater 283:480–489

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Li J, Li D, Yang Y, Xu T, Li P, He D (2016) Acrylamide induces locomotor defects and degeneration of dopamine neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Appl Toxicol 36:60–67

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. McVey KA, Snapp IB, Johnson MB, Negga R, Pressley AS, Fitsanakis VA (2016) Exposure of C. elegans eggs to a glyphosate-containing herbicide leads to abnormal neuronal morphology. Neurotoxicol Teratol 55:23–31

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Mashock MJ, Zanon T, Kappell AD, Petrella LN, Andersen EC, Hristova KR (2016) Copper oxide nanoparticles impact several toxicological endpoints and cause neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 11:e0167613

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Zhi L-T, Yu Y-L, Jiang Z-X, Wang D-Y (2017) mir-355 functions as an important link between p38 MAPK signaling and insulin signaling in the regulation of innate immunity. Sci Rep 7:14560

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  29. Sun L-M, Liao K, Hong C-C, Wang D-Y (2017) Honokiol induces reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis in Candida albicans through mitochondrial dysfunction. PLoS One 12:e0172228

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Sun L-M, Liao K, Wang D-Y (2017) Honokiol induces superoxide production by targeting mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I in Candida albicans. PLoS One 12:e0184003

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  31. Yu Y-L, Zhi L-T, Guan X-M, Wang D-Y, Wang D-Y (2016) FLP-4 neuropeptide and its receptor in a neuronal circuit regulate preference choice through functions of ASH-2 trithorax complex in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 6:21485

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Sun L-M, Liao K, Li Y-P, Zhao L, Liang S, Guo D, Hu J, Wang D-Y (2016) Synergy between PVP-coated silver nanoparticles and azole antifungal against drug-resistant Candida albicans. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 16:2325–2335

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Caldwell KA, Tucci ML, Armagost J, Hodges TW, Chen J, Memon SB, Blalock JE, DeLeon SM, Findlay RH, Ruan Q, Webber PJ, Standaert DG, Olson JB, Caldwell GA (2009) Investigating bacterial sources of toxicity as an environmental contributor to dopaminergic neurodegeneration. PLoS One 4(10):e7227

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Sammi SR, Agim ZS, Cannon JR (2018) Harmane-induced selective dopaminergic neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Sci 161:335–348

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Reckziegel P, Chen P, Caito S, Gubert P, Soares FAA, Fachinetto R, Aschner M (2016) Extracellular dopamine and alterations on dopamine transporter are related to reserpine toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Arch Toxicol 90:633–645

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. VanDuyn N, Settivari R, Wong G, Nass R (2010) SKN-1/Nrf2 inhibits dopamine neuron degeneration in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of methylmercury toxicity. Toxicol Sci 118:613–624

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. Benedetto A, Au C, Avila DS, Milatovic D, Aschner M (2010) Extracellular dopamine potentiates Mn-induced oxidative stress, lifespan reduction, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a BLI-3–dependent manner in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 6:e1001084

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Chakraborty S, Michael Aschner M (2012) Altered manganese homeostasis: implications for BLI-3-dependent dopaminergic neurodegeneration and SKN-1 protection in C. elegans. J Trace Elem Med Biol 26:183–187

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. VanDuyn N, Settivari R, LeVora J, Zhou S, Unrine J, Nass R (2013) The metal transporter SMF-3/DMT-1 mediates aluminum-induced dopamine neuron degeneration. J Neurochem 124:147–157

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. VanDuyn N, Nass R (2014) The putative multidrug resistance protein MRP-7 inhibits methylmercury-associated animal toxicity and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurochem 128:962–974

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Ijomone OM, Miah MR, Peres TV, Nwoha PU, Aschner M (2016) Null allele mutants of trt-1, the catalytic subunit of telomerase in Caenorhabditis elegans, are less sensitive to Mn-induced toxicity and DAergic degeneration. Neutotoxicology 57:54–60

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Xing X-J, Du M, Zhang Y-F, Wang D-Y (2009) Adverse effects of metal exposure on chemotaxis towards water-soluble attractants regulated mainly by ASE sensory neuron in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. J Environ Sci 21:1684–1694

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Li Y-H, Ye H-Y, Du M, Zhang Y-F, Ye B-P, Pu Y-P, Wang D-Y (2009) Induction of chemotaxis to sodium chloride and diacetyl and thermotaxis defects by microcystin-LR exposure in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. J Environ Sci 21:971–979

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Chen N, Li J, Li D, Yang Y, He D (2014) Chronic exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate induces behavior defects and neurotoxicity through oxidative damages, in vivo and in vitro. PLoS One 9:e113453

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Wu Q-L, Cao X-O, Yan D, Wang D-Y, Aballay A (2015) Genetic screen reveals link between maternal-effect sterile gene mes-1 and P. aeruginosa-induced neurodegeneration in C. elegans. J Biol Chem 290:29231–29239

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Bargmann CI, Horvitz HR (1991) Chemosensory neurons with overlapping functions direct chemotaxis to multiple chemicals in C. elegans. Neuron 7:729–742

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Uchida O, Nakano H, Koga M, Ohshima Y (2003) The C. elegans che-1 gene encodes a zinc finger transcription factor required for specification of the ASE chemosensory neurons. Development 130:1215–1224

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Xing X-J, Du M, Xu X-M, Rui Q, Wang D-Y (2009) Exposure to metals induces morphological and functional alteration of AFD neurons in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 28:104–110

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Wu Q-L, Liu P-D, Li Y-X, Du M, Xing X-J, Wang D-Y (2012) Inhibition of ROS elevation and damage on mitochondrial function prevents lead-induced neurotoxic effects on structures and functions of AFD neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Environ Sci 24:733–742

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Tseng I-L, Yang Y-F, Yu C-W, Li W-H, VH-C L (2013) Phthalates induce neurotoxicity affecting locomotor and thermotactic behaviors and AFD neurons through oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 8:e82657

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Yu C-W, Liao VH-C (2014) Arsenite induces neurotoxic effects on AFD neurons via oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Metallomics 6:1824–1831

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Swoboda P, Adler HT, Thomas JH (2000) The RFX-type transcription factor DAF-19 regulates sensory neuron cilium formation in C. elegans. Mol Cell 5:411–421

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Satterlee JS, Sasakura H, Kuhara A, Berkeley M, Mori I, Sengupta P (2001) Specification of thermosensory neuron fate in C. elegans requires ttx-1, a homolog of otd/Otx. Neuron 31:943–956

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Gourgou E, Chronis N (2016) Chemically induced oxidative stress affects ASH neuronal function and behavior in C. elegans. Sci Rep 6:38147

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Meisel JD, Kim DH (2016) Inhibition of lithium-sensitive phosphatase BPNT-1 causes selective neuronal dysfunction in C. elegans. Curr Biol 26:1922–1928

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  56. Moore CE, Lein PJ, Puschner B (2014) Microcystins alter chemotactic behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans by selectively targeting the AWA sensory neuron. Toxins 6:1813–1836

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Sengupta P, Chou JH, Bargmann CI (1996) odr-10 encodes a seven transmembrane domain olfactory receptor required for responses to the odorant diacetyl. Cell 84:899–909

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Colosimo ME, Tran S, Sengupta P (2003) The divergent orphan nuclear receptor odr-7 regulates olfactory neuron gene expression via multiple mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 165:1779–1791

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  59. Donohoe DR, Weeks K, Aamodt EJ, Dwyer DS (2008) Antipsychotic drugs alter neuronal development including ALM neuroblast migration and PLM axonal outgrowth in C. elegans. Int J Dev Neurosci 26:371–380

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  60. Hobert O, Mori I, Yamashita Y, Honda H, Ohshima Y, Liu Y, Ruvkun G (1997) Regulation of interneuron function in the C. elegans thermoregulatory pathway by the ttx-3 LIM homeobox gene. Neuron 19:345–357

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Pocock R, Hobert O (2008) Oxygen levels affect axon guidance and neuronal migration in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Neurosci 11:894–900

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Ye H-Y, Ye B-P, Wang D-Y (2006) Learning and learning choice in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Bull 22:355–360

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Zhang Y-F, Ye B-P, Wang D-Y (2010) Effects of metal exposure on associative learning behavior in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 59:129–136

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Ye H-Y, Ye B-P, Wang D-Y (2008) Molecular control of memory in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Bull 24:49–55

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Ye H-Y, Ye B-P, Wang D-Y (2008) Evaluation of the long-term memory for the thermosensation regulation by NCS-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Bull 24:1–6

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  66. Wang W-H, Cheng L-C, Pan F-Y, Xue B, Wang D-Y, Chen Z, Li C-J (2011) Intracellular trafficking of histone deacetylase 4 regulates long-term memory formation. Anat Rec 294:1025–1034

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Li Y-X, Zhao Y-L, Huang X, Li X-F, Guo Y-L, Wang D-Y, Li C-J, Wang D-Y (2013) Serotonin control of thermotaxis memory behavior in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 8:e77779

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  68. Ye H-Y, Ye B-P, Wang D-Y (2008) Trace administration of vitamin E can retrieve and prevent UV-irradiation- and metal exposure-induced memory deficits in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurobiol Learn Mem 90:10–18

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Li Y-X, Wang Y, Hu Y-O, Zhong J-X, Wang D-Y (2011) Modulation of the assay system for the sensory integration of 2 sensory stimuli that inhibit each other in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Bull 27:69–82

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  70. Xing X-J, Rui Q, Du M, Wang D-Y (2009) Exposure to lead and mercury in young larvae induces more severe deficits in neuronal survival and synaptic function than in adult nematodes. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 56:732–741

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Wang D-Y, Wang Y (2009) HLB-1 functions as a new regulator for the organization and function of neuromuscular junctions in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Bull 25:75–86

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  72. Kraemer BC, Zhang B, Leverenz JB, Thomas JH, Trojanowski JQ, Schellenberg GD (2003) Neurodegeneration and defective neurotransmission in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of tauopathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 100:9980–9985

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  73. Momma K, Homma T, Isaka R, Sudevan S, Higashitani A (2017) Heat-induced calcium leakage causes mitochondrial damage in Caenorhabditis elegans body-wall muscles. Genetics 206:1985–1994

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  74. Lee AL, Ung HM, Sands LP, Kikis EA (2017) A new Caenorhabditis elegans model of human huntingtin 513 aggregation and toxicity in body wall muscles. PLoS One 12:e0173644

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  75. Shen L-L, Wang D-Y (2005) Differentiation and function of presynaptic active zone. Neurosci Bull 21:335–343

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Sun Y, Zhao Y-N, Wang D-Y (2006) Computational analysis of genetic loci required for synapse structure and function and their corresponding microRNAs in C. elegans. Neurosci Bull 22:339–349

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Wang D-Y, Wang Y (2006) Screening for genetic loci affecting the active zone formation in C. elegans. Neurosci Bull 22:301–304

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Chen H, Li H-R, Wang D-Y (2017) Graphene oxide dysregulates Neuroligin/NLG-1-mediated molecular signaling in interneurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 7:41655

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Wang, D. (2019). Toxicity Induction in Neurons and Muscle in Nematodes Exposed to Environmental Toxicants or Stresses. In: Target Organ Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6010-7_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics