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Coding and non-coding transcripts modulated by transparent and blue PET micro-nanoplastics in Arabidopsis thaliana
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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.
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.
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lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA Networks in Arabidopsis thaliana Exposed to Micro-Nanoplastics
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Researchers analysed RNA-seq datasets from Arabidopsis thaliana roots exposed to transparent and blue polyethylene terephthalate micro-nanoplastics to identify lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA regulatory networks activated under this novel abiotic stress. Transparent PET altered expression of 104 lncRNAs while blue PET affected only 19, suggesting colour-associated surface chemistry differences influence plant tolerance and regulatory responses to micro-nanoplastic exposure.
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