Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Coding and non-coding transcripts modulated by transparent and blue PET micro-nanoplastics in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 58 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Marco Dainelli, Ilaria Colzi, Marco Dainelli, Marco Dainelli, Sara Pignattelli, Sara Pignattelli, Marco Dainelli, Sara Pignattelli, Sara Pignattelli, Sara Falsini, Marco Dainelli, Sara Pignattelli, Ilaria Colzi, Marco Dainelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Domenico Giosa, Sara Pignattelli, Ilaria Colzi, Ilaria Colzi, Ilaria Colzi, Ilaria Colzi, Ilaria Colzi, Gaetano M. Gargiulo, Sara Pignattelli, Andrea Coppi, Domenico Giosa, Domenico Giosa, Sara Pignattelli, Gaetano M. Gargiulo, Sara Falsini, Ilaria Colzi, Gaetano M. Gargiulo, Andrea Coppi, Marco Dainelli, Sara Falsini, Sara Falsini, Sara Pignattelli, Ilaria Colzi, Carla Lo Passo, Marco Dainelli, Carla Lo Passo, Sandra Ristori, Andrea Coppi, Sara Pignattelli, Ida Pernice, Andrea Coppi, Ida Pernice, Andrea Coppi, Sara Falsini, Ilaria Colzi, Sara Falsini, Sara Falsini, Sandra Ristori, Chiara Vergata, Sara Pignattelli, Sandra Ristori, Sandra Ristori, Cristina Gonnelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Andrea Coppi, Andrea Coppi, Ilaria Colzi, Sandra Ristori, Sara Pignattelli, Sara Pignattelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Alice Miniati, Alice Miniati, Cristina Gonnelli, Alice Miniati, Ilaria Colzi, Alice Miniati, Paulo S. Morandi, Marco Dainelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Matteo Buti, Federico Martinelli Matteo Buti, Cristina Gonnelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Chiara Vergata, Chiara Vergata, Andrea Coppi, Federico Martinelli Andrea Coppi, Cristina Gonnelli, Cristina Gonnelli, Federico Martinelli Federico Martinelli

Summary

Researchers exposed the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to transparent and blue PET micro-nanoplastics and analyzed changes in gene expression, including long non-coding RNAs. They found that both colors of plastic particles reduced root growth and altered hundreds of coding and non-coding genetic transcripts. The study reveals that microplastic color and chemical composition may influence how plants respond at the molecular level.

Polymers

PE PET

To get further insights on the micro-nanoplastic (MNP) effects on plants, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response of hydroponically cultivated Arabidopsis thaliana to the presence of differentially colored polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles. MNP impacts on the root organ were studied at a molecular level, with a special focus on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAS) in the regulation of gene expression after PET exposure. MNPs of transparent (Tr-PET) and blue (Bl-PET) material at environmentally realistic concentration caused a significant reduction in root length, while only Bl-PET significantly reduced rosette area. MNPs induced oxidative stress markers. Tr-PET upregulated genes involved in signaling of xenobiotics, whereas Bl-PET scarcely affected root transcriptomic profile, activating few gene categories for abiotic stresses. Regarding hormones, genes involved in ABA response were repressed, while brassinosteroid-related genes were differentially regulated by Tr-PET. Both MNPs, but especially Tr-PET, upregulated major latex protein-related genes. Plant molecular response to MNPs was linked to differential abundance of lncRNAs on both comparisons. Tr-PET affected the expression of much more lncRNAs than bl-PET (80 and 11 respectively). These lncRNAs were predicted to interact with several repressed protein-coding genes (i.e. glucosyltransferase UGT2, oxidative stress genes etc.), with possible effects on their regulation. A lncRNA (AT1G09297) interacted with CYP81D8, a key gene of cytochrome P450 gene family involved in xenobiotics detoxification. Two lncRNAs interacted with two members of repressed HSP (HSP90 and HSP17.4) family. Finally, genes involved in redox detoxification and stress responses were inhibited by the interaction with two microplastics-regulated lncRNAs. These data highlighted the need of investigating non-coding RNAs in the future in addition to the mostly studied protein coding transcriptome.

Read via DOI PubMed

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email