A simple and extremely sensitive system for detecting estrogenic activity using transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.
Numerous physiological processes are regulated by endocrine systems in animals. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can affect physiological processes of organisms by binding to hormone receptors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods for detecting EDCs and removing them from the environment. We have developed a simple and low-cost reporter gene assay system for the comprehensive analysis of estrogenic activity using transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. This transgenic plant constantly expresses two effector proteins: a chimeric estrogen receptor and a chimeric nuclear receptor coactivator. Estrogen-dependent interaction between the two effector proteins triggers transcriptional activation of reporter gene, beta-glucuronidase. We have demonstrated this transgenic plant's capability of detecting the existence of 17beta-estradiol at a concentration of 50 pM (13 pg/ml) in agar medium. This plant can also detect other estrogenic substances, such as diethylstilbestrol, p-n-nonylphenol, bisphenol A, and Genistein.
Tojo
Takuto
T
Laboratory of Environmental Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 5, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
Tsuda
Kenichi
K
Wada
Tomoko S
TS
Yamazaki
Ken-ichi
K
D000818:Animals; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D001681:Biological Assay; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D019833:Genistein / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051958:Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000378:metabolism*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015533:Transcriptional Activation; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004958:Estradiol; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D019833:Genistein; D005966:Glucuronidase; D051958:Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 2; D010636:Phenols; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds