Effects of Bisphenol A on <i>Foxl2</i> gene expression and DNA damage in adult viviparous fish <i>Goodea</i> <i>atripinnis</i>

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging pollutant of global concern. Viviparous fish <i>Goodea atripinnis</i> is endemic to the Central Mexican Plateau where BPA was detected; however, few studies examined the influence of this chemical on native viviparous fish. The effects of BPA (sublethal dose) were determined on DNA integrity and <i>Foxl2</i> expression in <i>G. atripinnis</i> gonads, and interactions of BPA with FOXL2 protein. Genotoxicity analysis revealed that % comets, at 14 and 28 days and comet tail length (at 14 days) were significantly higher in exposed compared to controls. In general, the % DNA tail was not markedly higher in BPA-treated fish; however, tail moment related to tail length exhibited significant increases in DNA damage. RT-qPCR assays showed <i>Foxl2</i> overexpression after 14 and 28 days of exposure in females; while in males, <i>Foxl2</i> was overexpressed after 28 days. <i>In silico</i> analysis demonstrated that BPA interacted with seven residues located in FOXL2 homeodomain. In summary, sublethal BPA doses induced DNA damage and changes in <i>Foxl2</i> expression in gonadal cells of <i>G. atripinnis</i>, which may adversely affect reproduction in BPA-exposed wild populations. <i>Foxl2</i> overexpression and BPA-FOXL2 interaction suggested alterations in processes involving <i>Foxl2</i>. Viviparous fish may thus serve as potential non-conventional models for assessing pollutants effects.