The health effects of chromium exposure remain unclear, although humans are exposed to chromium, a toxic metal, through food and water consumption and inhalation of contaminated air. In general, chromium VI exposure has increased risks than chromium III exposure as it is more commonly associated with human disease and cancer. While many studies have examined the effects of Cr III and VI on cellular toxicity, little is known about the cellular stress mechanisms activated by these two variants of chromium. Therefore, in this project, we investigated the specific pathway of stress-induced translational control influenced by chromium. Since Cr VI has a higher toxicity than Cr III, we hypothesized that there would be a higher rate of cellular stress in response to Cr VI than Cr III. After analyzing the results from various acute exposure assays and Western blots, Cr VI generally formed more stress granules than Cr III. Chromium VI but not chromium III resulted in the phosphorylation of eIF2α, indicating an effect on translational arrest. Despite this, there wasn't a significant difference between stress granule formation caused by the two valence states of chromium to fully support the hypothesis. As result, this research will aid in understanding the effects of chromium III and VI on human cells.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Nguyen, Vivian C.
• Atahan, Bulent F.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050321-111628
• 21371

Keyword

• Stress Granules
• Chromium VI
• eIF2a
• Cell Stress Response
• Chromium III

Advisor

• Farny, Natalie

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-03

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright