Open AccessGlyphosate Interaction with eEF1α1 Indicates Altered Protein Synthesis: Evidence for Reduced Spermatogenesis and Cytostatic Effect
Author(s) -
B. Sopko,
Gracian Tejral,
Guissepe Bitti,
Marianna Abate,
Martina Medvedíková,
Marián Hajdúch,
Jan Chloupek,
Jolana Fajmonova,
M. Škorič,
Evžen Amler,
Tomáš Erban
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
acs omega
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.779
H-Index - 40
ISSN - 2470-1343
DOI - 10.1021/acsomega.1c00449
Subject(s) - glyphosate , in vivo , spermatogenesis , biology , protein biosynthesis , in vitro , translation (biology) , pharmacology , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , endocrinology , gene , messenger rna
The broad-spectrum herbicide, glyphosate, is considered safe for animals because it selectively affects the shikimate pathway that is specific to plants and microorganisms. We sought a previously unknown mechanism to explain the concerns that glyphosate exposure can negatively affect animals, including humans. Computer modeling showed a probable interaction between glyphosate and eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 subunit alpha 1 (eEF1α1), which was confirmed by microcalorimetry. Only restricted, nondisrupted spermatogenesis in rats was observed after chronic glyphosate treatments (0.7 and 7 mg/L). Cytostatic and antiproliferative effects of glyphosate in GC-1 and SUP-B15 cells were indicated. Meta-analysis of public health data suggested a possible effect of glyphosate use on sperm count. The in silico , in vitro , and in vivo experimental results as well as the metastatistics indicate side effects of chronic glyphosate exposure. Together, these findings indicate that glyphosate delays protein synthesis through an interaction with eEF1α1, thereby suppressing spermatogenesis and cell growth.