Unified Probability Distribution and Dynamics of Lead Contents in Human Erythrocytes Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis

Understanding the presence and dynamics of chemical pollutants in individual cells is fundamentally important for their trafficking, fate, and toxicity in humans. The presence of molecular components (i.e., proteins and mRNA) in individual cells of higher organisms is considered a stochastic event. The characteristics of chemical pollutants, as extrinsic compounds, in subpopulation of human cells on single-cell basis have not been explored yet. Here, we demonstrated the lead (Pb) content in individual mature erythrocytes (m-erythrocytes) of Pb-intoxicated patients, and healthy subjects exhibited a unified pattern in probability distribution (gamma distribution) and dynamics, despite being highly heterogeneous. The Pb content in individual m-erythrocytes decreased with the lifetime of m-erythrocytes. Meanwhile, the distribution and dynamics were found to be highly related to the Pb content in m-erythrocytes and was independent of patients and their status. This is the first study to analyze the distribution pattern of chemical pollutants at a single-cell level in higher organisms. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanism of Pb trafficking and fate in humans and the search for an efficient strategy to improve Pb excretion during Pb treatment.

Automated summary

Understanding the presence and dynamics of chemical pollutants in individual cells is crucial for their transportation, fate, and toxicity in humans. This study revealed a unified pattern in probability distribution and dynamics of lead content in individual mature erythrocytes of lead-intoxicated patients and healthy subjects, despite their highly heterogeneous nature. This research provides insight into the molecular mechanism of lead trafficking and fate in humans, and may lead to the development of strategies to enhance lead excretion during treatment.