Proteomics analysis of damage mechanism of RAW264.7 cells under Th(IV) stress

Thorium (Th) is widely distributed in the earth's crust and poses a risk to human health. In this study, the viability of murine macrophages RAW264.7 cells was evaluated, and changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed under various Th(IV) stress. The mechanism of Th(IV) on RAW264.7 was investigated using proteomics approaches. The results indicated that cell viability decreased with the increase of Th(IV) concentration, and Th(IV) caused cells to produce ROS and reduce MMP. Proteomics analysis revealed that Th(IV) affected the expression of nuclear proteins and transport-related proteins, inhibiting cell growth. Western blot analysis was performed on HtrA2, ARFGAP1, STAT3, CyclinD1, AKT, and GSK-3β, which confirmed the findings of the proteome analysis. This study contributed to elucidating damage mechanisms of Th(IV) on RAW264.7 cells.