Role of PERK-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Ferroptosis Caused by Hexavalent Chromium in Chicken Hepatocytes

Yukun Cui; Pu Zhang; Kaimin Song; Changxi Qi; Yongxia Liu; Jianzhu Liu

doi:10.1007/s12011-023-04046-8

Role of PERK-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Ferroptosis Caused by Hexavalent Chromium in Chicken Hepatocytes

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Jan 6. doi: 10.1007/s12011-023-04046-8. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yukun Cui^#¹, Pu Zhang^#², Kaimin Song¹, Changxi Qi¹, Yongxia Liu³, Jianzhu Liu⁴

Affiliations

¹ College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, Shandong, China.
² The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China.
³ Research Center for Animal Disease Control Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, Shandong, China. liuyongxia@sdau.edu.cn.
⁴ College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, Shandong, China. liujz@sdau.edu.cn.

^# Contributed equally.

PMID: 38183555
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04046-8

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether Cr(VI) can induce ferroptosis in chicken hepatocytes and determine the role of PERK-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). First, a model of Cr(VI) poisoning was established by exposing chicken hepatocytes to Cr(VI). The levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, meanwhile, GSH, SOD, MDA, and lipid ROS, were measured. Furthermore, the expression of GRP78 and PERK proteins was examined. Changes in ERS and ferroptosis were evaluated by silencing the PERK gene. Results showed that Cr(VI) led to the accumulation of lipid ROS, decreased expression of GPX4 and HSP27, increased expression of COX2, and induced ferroptosis in chicken hepatocytes. Exposure to Cr(VI) increased the protein expression of GRP78 and PERK, and silencing of PERK worsened Cr(VI)-induced ferroptosis. In conclusion, Cr(VI) can induce ferroptosis in chicken hepatocytes, and PERK plays an important role as a negative regulator.

Keywords: Chicken hepatocytes; Cr(VI); Endoplasmic reticulum stress; Ferroptosis; PERK.