DNA methyltransferase- and histone deacetylase-mediated epigenetic alterations induced by low-level methylmercury exposure disrupt neuronal development

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a chemical substance that causes adverse effects on fetal development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which environmental MeHg affects fetal development have not been clarified. Recently, it has been suggested that the toxic effects of chemicals on fetal development are related alterations in epigenetics, such as DNA methylation and histone modification. In order to analyze the epigenetic effects of low-level MeHg exposure on neuronal development, we evaluated neuronal development both in vivo and in vitro. Pregnant mice (C57BL/6J) were orally administrated 3 mg/kg of MeHg once daily from embryonic day 12-14. Fetuses were removed on embryonic day 19 and brain tissues were collected. LUHMES cells were treated with 1 nM of MeHg for 6 days and collected on the last day of treatment. In both in vivo and in vitro samples, MeHg significantly suppressed neurite outgrowth. Decreased acetylated histone H3 (AcH3) levels and increased histone deacetylase (HDAC) 3 and HDAC6 levels were observed in response to MeHg treatment in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In addition, increased DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) levels were observed in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The inhibition of neurite outgrowth resulting from MeHg exposure was restored by co-treatment with DNMT inhibitor or HDAC inhibitors. Our results suggest that neurological effects such as reduced neurite outgrowth due to low-level MeHg exposure result from epigenetic changes, including a decrease in AcH3 via increased HDAC levels and an increase in DNA methylation via increased DNMT1 levels.