We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Genes of filter-feeding species as a potential toolkit for monitoring microplastic impacts
Summary
Researchers developed a genetic toolkit using candidate genes from filter-feeding marine species to monitor the biological impacts of microplastic exposure in natural environments. They identified six genes across nine species that show measurable expression changes when organisms encounter microplastics. The study offers a practical molecular approach for tracking how microplastic pollution is actually affecting wild marine populations.
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the marine environment and impact organisms at multiple levels. Understanding their actual effects on wild populations is urgently needed. This study develops a toolkit to monitor changes in gene expression induced by MPs in natural environments, focusing on filter-feeding and bioindicator species from diverse ecological and taxonomic groups. Six candidate genes -Caspase, HSP70, HSP90, PK, SOD, and VTG- and nine filter-feeding species -two branchiopods, one copepod, five bivalves and one fish- were selected based on differential expression in response to MPs exposure (mainly the widely used polystyrene and polyethylene polymers) reported in over 30 publications. Some genes are particularly determinant, such as HSP70 and HSP90 (key to managing a wide range of stressors) and SOD (critical for addressing oxidative stress), as they are more directly related to stress. PK is related to carbohydrate metabolism (alterations in energy metabolism); VTG is associated with reproductive problems; Caspase mediates in apoptosis. Each gene in the toolkit plays a role depending on the type of stress assessed, and their combination provides a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of MPs. Differences in gene expressions between species and the exposure thresholds were found. These genes were examined in various scenarios with different types, concentrations, and sizes of MPs, alone or with other stressors. The toolkit offers significant advantages, allowing a comprehensive study of the impact of MPs and focusing on filtering bioindicator species, thus enabling pollution assessment and long-term monitoring. It will outperform traditional methods like tissue counts of MPs where only physical damage is visible, providing a deeper understanding. To our knowledge, this is the first toolkit of its kind.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to Microplastics: Accumulation, Depuration and Evaluation of the Expression Levels of a Selection of Molecular Biomarkers
Researchers exposed Mediterranean mussels to a realistic mixture of microplastic types and then tested whether a standard purification process could remove them. They found that purification significantly reduced microplastic contamination in the mussels and that molecular biomarkers in the gills could detect the biological effects of exposure. The study suggests that both purification protocols and molecular monitoring tools could help address microplastic risks in farmed shellfish.
Toxicity of environmental and polystyrene plastic particles on the bivalve Corbicula fluminea: focus on the molecular responses
Researchers exposed freshwater bivalves to environmental microplastics and nanoplastics collected from a river, as well as to laboratory polystyrene nanoparticles, and measured molecular-level responses. Gene expression analysis revealed that plastic particle exposure activated stress response and immune defense pathways in gill and visceral tissues. The study indicates that even environmentally relevant concentrations of plastic particles can trigger measurable biological stress in filter-feeding organisms.
Selection, identification and evaluation of optimal reference genes in Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) under polypropylene microplastics stress
Researchers established reliable reference genes for studying how polypropylene microplastics affect gene expression in Chinese sturgeon, a protected fish species. They found that microplastic exposure caused visible liver damage, metabolic changes, and oxidative stress in the fish. The study provides essential tools for future research into the molecular-level impacts of microplastic pollution on endangered aquatic species.
Uptake and transcriptional effects of polystyrene microplastics in larval stages of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Researchers exposed larval stages of a marine organism to polystyrene microplastics and measured gene expression changes, finding tissue-dependent transcriptional responses that suggest microplastics can affect development even at early life stages.
Testing indicators for biological impacts of microplastics .
Researchers reviewed indicators that could be used to detect biological harm from microplastics in marine organisms, noting that the EU has not yet achieved healthy seas partly due to marine litter. The study examines how different marine organisms—from filter feeders to planktivores—are exposed to microplastics and what measures of biological impact would be most informative.