Microcystin-LR hijacks mitochondrial bioenergetics and Wnt crosstalk: Unveiling a novel dual-pathway mechanism for adipogenesis dysregulation in environmental toxicology

Abstract

Cyanobacterial blooms, driven by toxin-producing cyanobacteria, pose significant environmental health risks due to the persistent release of cyanotoxins like microcystin-LR (MC-LR). While much research has focused on its hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and neurotoxic effects, its impact on adipose tissue homeostasis remains poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of MC-LR on stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, key progenitors in adipogenesis and metabolic regulation. Using cell culture models, we examine mitochondrial dysfunction and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as two primary mechanisms of MC-LR-induced adipose dysfunction. Our findings show that MC-LR exposure leads to ATP depletion, ROS accumulation, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and mitophagy activation, which collectively suppress lipogenesis. Additionally, MC-LR activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, disrupting adipogenesis regulatory pathways. These mechanisms interact in a self-reinforcing cycle of adipocyte dysfunction, linking mitochondrial failure to Wnt/β-catenin pathway hyperactivation. This study is the first to systematically elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which MC-LR disrupts adipogenesis in SVF cells, providing critical insights into the role of cyanotoxins in modulating human adipogenesis and obesity-related metabolic dysregulation.