Effect of cadmium on expression of BIRC family genes in HeLa cells

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant with toxic effects in various tissues, including the kidney. In our previous study, Cd changed the expression of baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis protein repeat-containing (BIRC) family genes in human proximal tubular cells. BIRC family genes inhibit apoptosis, and inducing the apoptosis pathway is an approach for anticancer therapeutics. In this study, the effect of Cd on expression of BIRC family genes was examined in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. Cd treatment affected cell viability, increased BIRC5 and BIRC6 mRNA levels, and decreased the BIRC8 mRNA level in HeLa cells. These results indicate that a low dose of Cd changes the expression of several genes in the BIRC family in HeLa cells. Changes in the mRNA levels of BIRC family genes by exposure to Cd may affect cancer chemotherapeutic agents targeting the apoptosis pathway.