Transcription factor activation in rat primary astrocytes exposed to methylmercury

Abstract

To investigate the adaptive response of astrocytes to an environmental chemical, methylmercury (MeHg), we herein examined transcription factors activated in rat primary astrocytes treated with 10 μM MeHg for 6 hr using the Combo Protein/DNA Array. The activities of 38 transcription factors increased by 5-fold or greater in response to MeHg. The paired box family of transcription factors were strongly activated by MeHg exposure, which are considered to be activated downstream of NGF and BDNF upregulation induced by MeHg. Nrf-2 (an antioxidant response element) was also activated, which has been reported to act on MeHg detoxification.