@article{NicolaiBaeslerAschneretal.2020,
  author    = {Nicolai, Merle Marie and Baesler, Jessica and Aschner, Michael and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bornhorst, Julia},
  title     = {Consequences of manganese overload in C. elegans},
  series = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology / ed. for the Deutsche Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie},
  volume    = {393},
  journal   = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology / ed. for the Deutsche Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie},
  number    = {SUPPL 1},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0028-1298},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00210-020-01828-y},
  pages     = {9 -- 9},
  year      = {2020},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NicolaiWeishauptBaesleretal.2021,
  author    = {Nicolai, Merle Marie and Weishaupt, Ann-Kathrin and Baesler, Jessica and Brinkmann, Vanessa and Wellenberg, Anna and Winkelbeiner, Nicola Lisa and Gremme, Anna and Aschner, Michael and Fritz, Gerhard and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bornhorst, Julia},
  title     = {Effects of manganese on genomic integrity in the multicellular model organism Caenorhabditis elegans},
  series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  volume    = {22},
  journal   = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  number    = {20},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1422-0067},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms222010905},
  pages     = {16},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Although manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element, overexposure is associated with Mn-induced toxicity and neurological dysfunction. Even though Mn-induced oxidative stress is discussed extensively, neither the underlying mechanisms of the potential consequences of Mn-induced oxidative stress on DNA damage and DNA repair, nor the possibly resulting toxicity are characterized yet. In this study, we use the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the mode of action of Mn toxicity, focusing on genomic integrity by means of DNA damage and DNA damage response. Experiments were conducted to analyze Mn bioavailability, lethality, and induction of DNA damage. Different deletion mutant strains were then used to investigate the role of base excision repair (BER) and dePARylation (DNA damage response) proteins in Mn-induced toxicity. The results indicate a dose- and time-dependent uptake of Mn, resulting in increased lethality. Excessive exposure to Mn decreases genomic integrity and activates BER. Altogether, this study characterizes the consequences of Mn exposure on genomic integrity and therefore broadens the molecular understanding of pathways underlying Mn-induced toxicity. Additionally, studying the basal poly(ADP-ribosylation) (PARylation) of worms lacking poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) parg-1 or parg-2 (two orthologue of PARG), indicates that parg-1 accounts for most of the glycohydrolase activity in worms.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{NicolaiWeishauptBaesleretal.2021,
  author    = {Nicolai, Merle Marie and Weishaupt, Ann-Kathrin and Baesler, Jessica and Brinkmann, Vanessa and Wellenberg, Anna and Winkelbeiner, Nicola Lisa and Gremme, Anna and Aschner, Michael and Fritz, Gerhard and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bornhorst, Julia},
  title     = {Effects of manganese on genomic integrity in the multicellular model organism Caenorhabditis elegans},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {1173},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-52327},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-523275},
  pages     = {18},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Although manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element, overexposure is associated with Mn-induced toxicity and neurological dysfunction. Even though Mn-induced oxidative stress is discussed extensively, neither the underlying mechanisms of the potential consequences of Mn-induced oxidative stress on DNA damage and DNA repair, nor the possibly resulting toxicity are characterized yet. In this study, we use the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the mode of action of Mn toxicity, focusing on genomic integrity by means of DNA damage and DNA damage response. Experiments were conducted to analyze Mn bioavailability, lethality, and induction of DNA damage. Different deletion mutant strains were then used to investigate the role of base excision repair (BER) and dePARylation (DNA damage response) proteins in Mn-induced toxicity. The results indicate a dose- and time-dependent uptake of Mn, resulting in increased lethality. Excessive exposure to Mn decreases genomic integrity and activates BER. Altogether, this study characterizes the consequences of Mn exposure on genomic integrity and therefore broadens the molecular understanding of pathways underlying Mn-induced toxicity. Additionally, studying the basal poly(ADP-ribosylation) (PARylation) of worms lacking poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) parg-1 or parg-2 (two orthologue of PARG), indicates that parg-1 accounts for most of the glycohydrolase activity in worms.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ChenBornhorstAschner2018,
  author    = {Chen, Pan and Bornhorst, Julia and Aschner, Michael},
  title     = {Manganese metabolism in humans},
  series = {Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark},
  volume    = {23},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark},
  number    = {9},
  publisher = {Frontiers in Bioscience INC},
  address   = {Irvine},
  issn      = {1093-9946},
  doi       = {10.2741/4665},
  pages     = {1655 -- 1679},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient for intracellular activities; it functions as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes, including arginase, glutamine synthetase (GS), pyruvate carboxylase and Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). Through these metalloproteins, Mn plays critically important roles in development, digestion, reproduction, antioxidant defense, energy production, immune response and regulation of neuronal activities. Mn deficiency is rare. In contrast Mn poisoning may be encountered upon overexposure to this metal. Excessive Mn tends to accumulate in the liver, pancreas, bone, kidney and brain, with the latter being the major target of Mn intoxication. Hepatic cirrhosis, polycythemia, hypermanganesemia, dystonia and Parkinsonism-like symptoms have been reported in patients with Mn poisoning. In recent years, Mn has come to the forefront of environmental concerns due to its neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms of Mn toxicity include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy dysregulation, apoptosis, and disruption of other metal homeostasis. The mechanisms of Mn homeostasis are not fully understood. Here, we will address recent progress in Mn absorption, distribution and elimination across different tissues, as well as the intracellular regulation of Mn homeostasis in cells. We will conclude with recommendations for future research areas on Mn metabolism.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GubertPuntelLehmenetal.2018,
  author    = {Gubert, Priscila and Puntel, Bruna and Lehmen, Tassia and Fessel, Joshua P. and Cheng, Pan and Bornhorst, Julia and Trindade, Lucas Siqueira and Avila, Daiana S. and Aschner, Michael and Soares, Felix A. A.},
  title     = {Metabolic effects of manganese in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans through DAergic pathway and transcription factors activation},
  series = {Neurotoxicology : the interdisciplinary journal of effects to toxic substances on the nervous system},
  volume    = {67},
  journal   = {Neurotoxicology : the interdisciplinary journal of effects to toxic substances on the nervous system},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Amsterdam},
  issn      = {0161-813X},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.neuro.2018.04.008},
  pages     = {65 -- 72},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element for physiological functions since it acts as an enzymatic co-factor. Nevertheless, overexposure to Mn has been associated with a pathologic condition called manganism. Furthermore, Mn has been reported to affect lipid metabolism by mechanisms which have yet to be established. Herein, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to examine Mn's effects on the dopaminergic (DAergic) system and determine which transcription factors that regulate with lipid metabolism are affected by it. Worms were exposed to Mn for four hours in the presence of bacteria and in a liquid medium (85 mM NaCl). Mn increased fat storage as evidenced both by Oil Red O accumulation and triglyceride levels. In addition, metabolic activity was reduced as a reflection of decreased oxygen consumption caused by Mn. Mn also affected feeding behavior as evidenced by decreased pharyngeal pumping rate. DAergic neurons viability were not altered by Mn, however the dopamine levels were significantly reduced following Mn exposure. Furthermore, the expression of sbp-1 transcription factor and let-363 protein kinase responsible for lipid accumulation control was increased and decreased, respectively, by Mn. Altogether, our data suggest that Mn increases the fat storage in C. elegans, secondary to DAergic system alterations, under the control of SBP-1 and LET-363 proteins.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FerrerPeresdosSantosetal.2018,
  author    = {Ferrer, Beatriz and Peres, Tanara Vieira and dos Santos, Alessandra Antunes and Bornhorst, Julia and Morcillo, Patricia and Goncalves, Cinara Ludvig and Aschner, Michael},
  title     = {Methylmercury affects the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides that control body weight in C57BL/6J mice},
  series = {Toxicological sciences},
  volume    = {163},
  journal   = {Toxicological sciences},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {1096-6080},
  doi       = {10.1093/toxsci/kfy052},
  pages     = {557 -- 568},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that affects primarily the central nervous system (CNS), causing neurological alterations. An early symptom of MeHg poisoning is the loss of body weight and appetite. Moreover, the CNS has an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. It is known that in the hypothalamus nutrient and hormonal signals converge to orchestrate control of body weight and food intake. In this study, we investigated if MeHg is able to induce changes in the expression of key hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate energy homeostasis. Thus, hypothalamic neuronal mouse cell line GT 1-7 was treated with MeHg at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 mu M). MeHg induced the expression of the anorexigenic neuropeptide pro-omiomelanocortin (Pomc) and the orexigenic peptide Agouti-related peptide (Agrp) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting deregulation of mechanisms that control body weight. To confirm these in vitro observations, 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice (males and females) were exposed to MeHg in drinking water, modeling the most prevalent exposure route to this metal. After 30-day exposure, no changes in body weight were detected. However, MeHg treated males showed a significant decrease in fat depots. Moreover, MeHg affected the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides that control food intake and body weight in a gender-and dose-dependent manner. Thus, MeHg increases Pomc mRNA only in males in a dose-dependent way, and it does not have effects on the expression of Agrp mRNA. The present study shows, for first time, that MeHg is able to induce changes in hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate energy homeostasis, favoring an anorexigenic/catabolic profile.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{BaeslerMichaelisStibolleretal.2021,
  author    = {Baesler, Jessica and Michaelis, Vivien and Stiboller, Michael and Haase, Hajo and Aschner, Michael and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Sturzenbaum, Stephen R. and Bornhorst, Julia},
  title     = {Nutritive manganese and zinc overdosing in aging c. elegans result in a metallothionein-mediated alteration in metal homeostasis},
  series = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {8},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-51499},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-514995},
  pages     = {13},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) are not only essential trace elements, but also potential exogenous risk factors for various diseases. Since the disturbed homeostasis of single metals can result in detrimental health effects, concerns have emerged regarding the consequences of excessive exposures to multiple metals, either via nutritional supplementation or parenteral nutrition. This study focuses on Mn-Zn-interactions in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, taking into account aspects related to aging and age-dependent neurodegeneration.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BaeslerMichaelisStibolleretal.2021,
  author    = {Baesler, Jessica and Michaelis, Vivien and Stiboller, Michael and Haase, Hajo and Aschner, Michael and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Sturzenbaum, Stephen R. and Bornhorst, Julia},
  title     = {Nutritive manganese and zinc overdosing in aging c. elegans result in a metallothionein-mediated alteration in metal homeostasis},
  series = {Molecular Nutrition and Food Research},
  volume    = {65},
  journal   = {Molecular Nutrition and Food Research},
  number    = {8},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH GmbH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {1613-4133},
  doi       = {10.1002/mnfr.202001176},
  pages     = {1 -- 11},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) are not only essential trace elements, but also potential exogenous risk factors for various diseases. Since the disturbed homeostasis of single metals can result in detrimental health effects, concerns have emerged regarding the consequences of excessive exposures to multiple metals, either via nutritional supplementation or parenteral nutrition. This study focuses on Mn-Zn-interactions in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, taking into account aspects related to aging and age-dependent neurodegeneration.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PeresArantesMiahetal.2018,
  author    = {Peres, Tanara Vieira and Arantes, Leticia P. and Miah, Mahfuzur R. and Bornhorst, Julia and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bowman, Aaron B. and Leal, Rodrigo B. and Aschner, Michael},
  title     = {Role of Caenorhabditis elegans AKT-1/2 and SGK-1 in Manganese Toxicity},
  series = {Neurotoxicity Research},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Neurotoxicity Research},
  number    = {3},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {1029-8428},
  doi       = {10.1007/s12640-018-9915-1},
  pages     = {584 -- 596},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Excessive levels of the essential metal manganese (Mn) may cause a syndrome similar to Parkinson's disease. The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans mimics some of Mn effects in mammals, including dopaminergic neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, and increased levels of AKT. The evolutionarily conserved insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway (IIS) modulates worm longevity, metabolism, and antioxidant responses by antagonizing the transcription factors DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf-2. AKT-1, AKT-2, and SGK-1 act upstream of these transcription factors. To study the role of these proteins in C. elegans response to Mn intoxication, wild-type N2 and loss-of-function mutants were exposed to Mn (2.5 to 100 mM) for 1 h at the L1 larval stage. Strains with loss-of-function in akt-1, akt-2, and sgk-1 had higher resistance to Mn compared to N2 in the survival test. All strains tested accumulated Mn similarly, as shown by ICP-MS. DAF-16 nuclear translocation was observed by fluorescence microscopy in WT and loss-of-function strains exposed to Mn. qRT-PCR data indicate increased expression of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (GCS-1) antioxidant enzyme in akt-1 mutants. The expression of sod-3 (superoxide dismutase homologue) was increased in the akt-1 mutant worms, independent of Mn treatment. However, dopaminergic neurons degenerated even in the more resistant strains. Dopaminergic function was evaluated with the basal slowing response behavioral test and dopaminergic neuron integrity was evaluated using worms expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the dopamine transporter (DAT-1) promoter. These results suggest that AKT-1/2 and SGK-1 play a role in C. elegans response to Mn intoxication. However, tissue-specific responses may occur in dopaminergic neurons, contributing to degeneration.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RohnMarschallKroepfletal.2018,
  author    = {Rohn, Isabelle and Marschall, Talke Anu and Kr{\"o}pfl, Nina and Jensen, Kenneth Bendix and Aschner, Michael and Tuck, Simon and Kuehnelt, Doris and Schwerdtle, Tanja and Bornhorst, Julia},
  title     = {Selenium species-dependent toxicity, bioavailability and metabolic transformations in Caenorhabditis elegans},
  series = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science},
  volume    = {10},
  journal   = {Metallomics : integrated biometal science},
  number    = {6},
  publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},
  address   = {Cambridge},
  issn      = {1756-5901},
  doi       = {10.1039/c8mt00066b},
  pages     = {818 -- 827},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {The essential micronutrient selenium (Se) is required for various systemic functions, but its beneficial range is narrow and overexposure may result in adverse health effects. Additionally, the chemical form of the ingested selenium contributes crucially to its health effects. While small Se species play a major role in Se metabolism, their toxicological effects, bioavailability and metabolic transformations following elevated uptake are poorly understood. Utilizing the tractable invertebrate Caenorhabditis elegans allowed for an alternative approach to study species-specific characteristics of organic and inorganic Se forms in vivo, revealing remarkable species-dependent differences in the toxicity and bioavailability of selenite, selenomethionine (SeMet) and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys). An inverse relationship was found between toxicity and bioavailability of the Se species, with the organic species displaying a higher bioavailability than the inorganic form, yet being less toxic. Quantitative Se speciation analysis with HPLC/mass spectrometry revealed a partial metabolism of SeMet and MeSeCys. In SeMet exposed worms, identified metabolites were Se-adenosylselenomethionine (AdoSeMet) and Se-adenosylselenohomocysteine (AdoSeHcy), while worms exposed to MeSeCys produced Se-methylselenoglutathione (MeSeGSH) and -glutamyl-MeSeCys (-Glu-MeSeCys). Moreover, the possible role of the sole selenoprotein in the nematode, thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR-1), was studied comparing wildtype and trxr-1 deletion mutants. Although a lower basal Se level was detected in trxr-1 mutants, Se toxicity and bioavailability following acute exposure was indistinguishable from wildtype worms. Altogether, the current study demonstrates the suitability of C. elegans as a model for Se species dependent toxicity and metabolism, while further research is needed to elucidate TrxR-1 function in the nematode.},
  language  = {en}
}