The mechanism of root growth inhibition by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA)

Ramin Bahmani; DongGwan Kim; Mahsa Modareszadeh; Andrew J Thompson; Jeong Hoon Park; Hye Hyun Yoo; Seongbin Hwang

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113516

The mechanism of root growth inhibition by the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA)

Environ Pollut. 2020 Feb:257:113516. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113516. Epub 2019 Nov 4.

Authors

Ramin Bahmani¹, DongGwan Kim¹, Mahsa Modareszadeh¹, Andrew J Thompson², Jeong Hoon Park³, Hye Hyun Yoo³, Seongbin Hwang⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular Biology, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea; Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea; The Plant Engineering Research Institute, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea.
² Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK.
³ College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea.
⁴ Department of Molecular Biology, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea; Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea; The Plant Engineering Research Institute, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea. Electronic address: sbhwang@sejong.ac.kr.

PMID: 31733969
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113516

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a harmful environmental contaminant acting as an endocrine disruptor in animals, but it also affects growth and development in plants. Here, we have elucidated the functional mechanism of root growth inhibition by BPA in Arabidopsis thaliana using mutants, reporter lines and a pharmacological approach. In response to 10 ppm BPA, fresh weight and main root length were reduced, while auxin levels increased. BPA inhibited root growth by reducing root cell length in the elongation zone by suppressing expansin expression and by decreasing the length of the meristem zone by repressing cell division. The inhibition of cell elongation and cell division was attributed to the enhanced accumulation/redistribution of auxin in the elongation zone and meristem zone in response to BPA. Correspondingly, the expressions of most auxin biosynthesis and transporter genes were enhanced in roots by BPA. Taken together, it is assumed that the endocrine disruptor BPA inhibits primary root growth by inhibiting cell elongation and division through auxin accumulation/redistribution in Arabidopsis. This study will contribute to understanding how BPA affects growth and development in plants.

Keywords: Auxin; Bisphenol A; Cell division; Cell elongation; Ethylene; Root.

MeSH terms

Arabidopsis / metabolism
Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
Benzhydryl Compounds / toxicity*
Cell Division
Endocrine Disruptors / metabolism
Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
Indoleacetic Acids / metabolism
Meristem / metabolism
Phenols / toxicity*
Plant Roots / drug effects*
Plant Roots / growth & development
Plant Roots / metabolism

Substances

Arabidopsis Proteins
Benzhydryl Compounds
Endocrine Disruptors
Indoleacetic Acids
Phenols
bisphenol A