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Passing the Parcels:Intercellular Nanoplastics Transferin Mussels Perna viridis with ActivatedImmunomodulation
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Researchers tracked intercellular transfer of nanoplastics between cells in mussel (Perna viridis) tissues using fluorescence microscopy, finding evidence that nanoplastic particles move between cells via vesicle-mediated pathways rather than passive diffusion alone.
Nanoplastics (NPs) are generally considered to have a defined intracellular fate, being difficult to excrete or transport due to their stability. This study provides the first evidence of NPs intercellular transfer in the hemocytes of green mussels (Perna viridis), which subsequently activated the immunomodulation process. NPs were predominantly internalized by granulocytes, with a portion being translocated and deposited in lysosomes, whereas those retained in endosomes were subsequently transferred to new hemocytes (mainly granulocytes). The transfer direction was driven by the intracellular NP concentration gradients. Transfer kinetics was size-dependent, with smaller-sized NPs exhibiting greater potential but a lower rate, primarily due to their specific extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer pathway. Tunneling nanotubes provided the most efficient pathway for the intercellular transfer of NPs, as their continuous membrane structure allowed direct substance exchange. Crucially, NP redistribution was accompanied by a gradient-driven transfer of mitochondria to injured hemocytes. This process alleviated stress on the overburdened hemocytes and regulated reactive oxygen species production, subsequently enhancing phagocytic activity and promoting immune responses. These findings underscore that NPs exhibit far more active behavior in the immune system than previously understood and provide new insights into how immune cells maintain the health of marine organisms in the face of NP challenges.
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Passing the Parcels: Intercellular Nanoplastics Transfer in Mussels Perna viridis with Activated Immunomodulation
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This study provides the first evidence that nanoplastics can be transferred between cells inside green mussels, a process previously thought unlikely due to the stability of these particles. Researchers found that immune cells called granulocytes internalized the nanoplastics and then passed them to neighboring cells through tiny vesicles. The discovery suggests nanoplastics may spread more widely through animal tissues than previously understood, with implications for immune function.
Nanoplastics: From tissue accumulation to cell translocation into Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocytes. resilience of immune cells exposed to nanoplastics and nanoplastics plus Vibrio splendidus combination
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Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes accumulate in and affect the immune cells of Mediterranean mussels. They found that the smallest nanoparticles quickly moved from the digestive system into the bloodstream and were taken up by immune cells, altering their function including motility and the ability to produce reactive oxygen species. However, the immune cells showed resilience by recovering their ability to fight bacterial infection after nanoplastic exposure.
In vivo bioaccumulation and responses of hemocytes of mussels Perna viridis to microplastics and nanoplastics exposure
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Researchers found that mussels exposed to environmentally realistic levels of micro- and nanoplastics quickly accumulated the particles in their blood cells (hemocytes) at concentrations approaching those of the surrounding water. The smaller nanoplastics were more readily taken up and caused more damage to cellular structures called lysosomes. Since mussels are widely consumed as seafood, their ability to concentrate microplastics in their tissues is relevant to human dietary exposure.
Investigation of cell-to-cell transfer of polystyrene microplastics through extracellular vesicle-mediated communication
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Scientists discovered that cells can transfer polystyrene microplastic particles to other cells through tiny membrane-enclosed packages called extracellular vesicles. This finding reveals a previously unknown mechanism for how microplastics could spread between cells in the body, potentially explaining how plastic particles move through tissues after initial exposure.
Immunological responses, oxidative stress, and histopathological effects of nanoplastics on commercially relevant mussel species: A review
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This review examines how nanoplastics affect commercially important mussel species, finding that these tiny particles can cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues. Evidence indicates that nanoplastic exposure alters metabolic rates, triggers immune responses, causes oxidative stress and DNA damage, and changes the structure of gills, gonads, and gut tissue. The findings raise concerns about both mussel health and potential implications for seafood safety.
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