SREL Reprint #3820

Metallothionein expression in Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) exposed to 137Cs and lead: implications for using metallothionein as a metal exposure biomarker

Kathryn A. Quinlin1,2, James C. Beasley1,2, and Xiaoyu Xu1,2

1Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
2Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, United States

Abstract: Given the range of threats facing aquatic ecosystems, it is critical we have monitoring tools to quickly and efficiently identify stressors within ecosystems. Metallothionein’s (MTs) are a group of proteins widely used as biomarkers of metal exposure; however, their suitability has been questioned due to their influenceable nature and ability to be induced by various stressors. Through our study, we sought to (1) evaluate induction of MT in eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) exposed to a radionuclide (137Cs) and metal (Pb), (2) assess the influence of in situ 137Cs pre-exposure on Pb-induced MT expression, and (3) quantify changes in MT concentrations during Pb depuration. We conducted our experiment in three phases using mosquitofish as a model species: Phase I—pre-exposure to 137Cs in the field, Phase II—exposure to Pb in the lab immediately following 137Cs exposure, and Phase III—depuration in the laboratory. We quantified MT concentrations over time and assessed differences among treatments. We did not find in situ exposure of mosquitofish to 137Cs to induce MT, nor did pre-exposure to 137Cs appear to influence induction of MT following Pb exposure. Metallothionein was rapidly induced in mosquitofish following Pb exposure; however, MT induction was also observed in control fish. Additionally, there was no apparent relationship between MT and Pb body burdens. During depuration, we found MT concentrations to be highly variable among fish demonstrating no clear response. Our study demonstrates the high variability exhibited by MT, the need for further validation of MT as a metal exposure biomarker, and the value in additional research on these proteins under varying exposure scenarios, particularly environmentally realistic concentrations.

Keywords: bioaccumulation, biomonitoring, freshwater toxicology, heavy metals

SREL Reprint #3820

Quinlin, K. A., J. C. Beasley, and X. Xu. 2025. Metallothionein expression in Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) exposed to 137Cs and lead: implications for using metallothionein as a metal exposure biomarker. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 44(5): 1322-1333.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).