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Transcriptomic analysis reveals interactive effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics and cadmium on Mytilus galloprovincialis: Insights into non-coding RNA responses and environmental implications
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Researchers used whole-transcriptome sequencing to study how mussels respond at the molecular level to combined exposure to PVC microplastics and cadmium. They found that the combined pollutants triggered distinct gene expression patterns, particularly in non-coding RNAs involved in immune and stress responses. The study suggests that microplastics and heavy metals together may cause more complex biological effects than either pollutant alone.
Despite increasing concerns regarding the interactions of microplastic and heavy metal pollution, there is limited knowledge on the molecular responses of marine organisms to these stressors. In this study, we used whole-transcriptome sequencing to investigate the molecular responses of the ecologically and economically important bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis to individual and combined exposures of environmentally relevant concentrations of PVC microplastics and cadmium (Cd). Our results revealed distinct transcriptional changes in M. galloprovincialis, with significant overlap in the differentially expressed genes between the individual and combined exposure groups. Genes involved in cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and galactose metabolism were differentially expressed. Additionally, key signaling pathways related to apoptosis and drug metabolism were significantly modulated. Notably, the interaction of PVC microplastics and Cd resulted in differential expression of genes involved in drug metabolism and longevity regulating compared to single exposures. This suggests that the interaction between these two stressors may have amplified effects on mussel health. Overall, this comprehensive transcriptomic analysis provides valuable insights into the adaptive and detrimental responses of M. galloprovincialis to PVC microplastics and Cd in the environment.
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This study examined how polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics interact with cadmium to affect single-celled marine organisms called ciliates. The combined exposure was more toxic than either pollutant alone, disrupting the organisms' metabolism and stress responses at the genetic level. The findings demonstrate that microplastics can make heavy metal pollution worse by carrying metals into cells, a concern for marine food web contamination that could ultimately affect seafood safety.
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This study investigated how co-exposure to microplastics and cadmium affects DNA damage in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Microplastics acted as vectors for cadmium, and combined exposure resulted in greater genotoxic effects than either pollutant alone.
Distinguish the toxic differentiations between acute exposure of micro- and nano-plastics on bivalves: An integrated study based on transcriptomic sequencing
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