We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Single‐Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Hair Cell‐Specific Molecular Responses to Polystyrene Nanoplastics in a Zebrafish Embryo Model
Summary
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations and used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify hair cell-specific transcriptional changes in the inner ear, finding molecular-level effects without overt developmental phenotypes.
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental pollutants with potential toxicological effects on aquatic ecosystems. Their small size, hydrophobicity, and structural stability enable penetration into biological tissues, inducing diverse toxic responses. This study investigates the physiological and molecular impacts of PSNPs on zebrafish embryos using single-cell RNA sequencing and phenotypic analyses. While PS-NP exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations caused no significant changes in survival or overt phenotypes, it led to alterations in cell type proportions and gene expression. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis revealed the upregulation of genes such as col1a1a, fgfbp2b, cytl1, and fstl1a, which were validated in vivo. These genes are associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, immune regulation, and tissue repair, suggesting that PSNPs activate defensive and reparative mechanisms in response to environmental stress. These findings highlight the molecular and cellular responses to PSNP exposure in zebrafish embryos and underscore the importance of evaluating the ecological risks posed by nanoplastics.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Size-Dependent Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Immune and Secretory Cell Populations from Zebrafish Intestines
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to examine how different sizes of polystyrene microplastics affect intestinal cell populations in zebrafish. The study revealed size-dependent effects on immune and secretory cell populations, providing a detailed transcriptomic view of how microplastics disrupt intestinal function at the individual cell level and alter the interplay between intestinal cells and gut microbiota.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals heterogeneity of the patterns of responsive genes and cell communications in liver cell populations of zebrafish exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics
Researchers used single-cell gene analysis to examine how polystyrene nanoplastics affect different cell types in zebrafish livers. They discovered that various liver cell populations responded to nanoplastic exposure in distinctly different ways, with some cell types showing more disruption to fat metabolism and stress response genes than others. The study reveals that nanoplastic toxicity in the liver is not uniform and that certain cell populations may be more vulnerable than previously understood.
Effects of Nanoplastics and Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane on Early Zebrafish Embryos Identified by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to study how polystyrene nanoplastics and the sunscreen chemical BMDBM affect early zebrafish embryo development. The study found that both pollutants targeted neural cells and disrupted brain development pathways, though combined exposure appeared to reduce some adverse effects compared to individual exposures, highlighting the complexity of nanoplastic interactions with co-occurring contaminants.
Nanoplastics impact the zebrafish (Danio rerio) transcriptome: Associated developmental and neurobehavioral consequences
Researchers exposed developing zebrafish larvae to polystyrene nanoplastics of two sizes and found dose-dependent accumulation in tissues along with swimming hyperactivity, despite no effects on mortality or hatching. Transcriptomic analysis revealed changes in gene expression associated with neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction at both high and low concentrations. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure during early development can alter brain function and behavior in ways that may reduce organismal fitness.
Ototoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in mice, HEI-OC1 cells and zebrafish
Researchers discovered that polystyrene nanoplastics can enter auditory organs and cause hearing-related damage in mice, cell cultures, and zebrafish. The nanoplastics triggered cell death and oxidative stress in hair cells responsible for detecting sound, leading to measurable hearing impairment. The study identifies the auditory system as a previously unrecognized target of nanoplastic toxicity, suggesting that exposure to these particles may pose risks to hearing health.