Time-Dependent Changes in the Gene Expression Levels in the Mouse Kidney by Long-Term Exposure to Cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental hazardous heavy metal that causes renal dysfunction triggered by its toxicity to proximal tubular cells. Our previous study demonstrated Cd changed the activities of various transcription factors (TFs) in mouse kidney. In this study, we investigated whether long-term exposure affected expression levels downstream genes these TFs. C57BL/6J female mice were fed chow containing 300 ppm for 12 months. After 4, 8, and months exposure, total RNA was extracted from The results confirmed dramatically increased metallothionein-2 (Mt2) mRNA Slc13a1, Vegfa, Vegfb among regulated Cd-activated Thy1 decreased even though upstream TF activated Cd. Furthermore, Agtrap, Tert, Fgfr4, Foxq1, Abcb1b, Cd274, Pck1, Egr1 Cd-suppressed Pklr at 4-month but 12-month exposure. Although our indicated suppressed retinoic acid receptor kidney, present it found gene Tnfrsf10b up-regulated For many whose expressions relationship with has not been reported so far. may provide useful clues into molecular mechanism toxicity.