Search results for "cell stress"

Identification of new members of metallothionein gene family in sea urchin

2011

Heavy metals are common marine pollutants that emanate from such sources as industrial and sewage treatment discharges and anti-fouling paints. Cadmium (Cd2+) serves no essential function in biological organisms and it is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metal. In Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos cadmium causes development arrest or severe malformations. At lower doses, cadmium activates different responses (HSPs synthesis, autophagic or apoptotic processes) that can allow embryo survival. This study was conducted to elucidate the gene transcription activation/upregulation or repression/downregulation inducted in sea urchin embryos grown under cadmium stress. Comparison between trans…