Effects of cadmium on intracellular cation homoeostasis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Previous studies have demonstrated that cadmium can induce biochemical and physiological changes in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, studies on the influence of cadmium on the ion balance in the cell and the interaction between cadmium and other ions are still relatively few in number. By using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, the contents of some cations, including Zn2+, Ca2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+ were measured. The data showed that the levels of Zn2+ and Fe3+ were increased, while those of Cu2+, K+, and Na+ were decreased after cadmium treatment. Afterwards, using the drop test assay, the interactions between cadmium and the selected ions were investigated. The results suggested that the cytotoxicity of cadmium could be attributable to the interference of cadmium with the intracellular cation homoeostasis. Calcium channel transporter Cch1 participates in the intracellular uptake of cadmium. Additionally, Zn2+, Ca2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, and K+ can rescue the toxic effect of cadmium in yeast.