title: Selective effect of the metallocarcinogen beryllium on hormonal regulation of gene expression in cultured cells.
abstract: Effects of the metallocarcinogen beryllium on regulation of gene expression were assessed by analysis of hormonal regulation of synthesis of tyrosine aminotransferase in beryllium-treated hepatoma cell cultures. Cell growth was not affected by exposure of the cells to 1 micro M BeSO4 throughout their 4- to 5-day growth cycle. In cells pretreated in this way, the induction by glucocorticoids was specifically impaired, the extent of induced enzyme synthesis being reduced about 50%. Inductions by insulin or cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate were not influenced by the metal. The results suggest that low concentrations of beryllium selectively interfere with regulatory mechanisms controlling transcriptional events in gene expression.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001608:Beryllium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002273:Carcinogens; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000494:pharmacology; D004790:Enzyme Induction / Q000187:drug effects; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D014444:Tyrosine Transaminase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D007328:Insulin; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D014444:Tyrosine Transaminase; D001608:Beryllium; D006854:Hydrocortisone