We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
New insights into the potential effects of PET microplastics on organisms via extracellular vesicle-mediated communication
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that PET microplastics can be transported within the body through tiny cellular packages called extracellular vesicles, which cells naturally use to communicate with each other. They found that exposure to PET microplastics altered the content and behavior of these vesicles, potentially allowing plastic particles to reach tissues beyond the initial site of exposure. The study reveals a previously unknown biological pathway through which microplastics may spread their effects throughout organisms.
Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives. In the environment, plastics break down into small pieces (<5 mm) that are referred to as microplastics. Microplastics are ubiquitous and widespread in the environment, and all living organisms are exposed to their effects. The present study provides new insights into the potential effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on organisms via extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. The study demonstrated that serum-derived EVs are able to transport plastic particles. In addition, PET microplastics alter the content of miRNA in EVs. The identified differentially regulated miRNAs may target genes associated with lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, and carcinogenesis. This work expands our understanding of PET microplastics' effects on organisms via EV-mediated communication and identifies directions for further research and strategies.
More Papers Like This
Investigation of cell-to-cell transfer of polystyrene microplastics through extracellular vesicle-mediated communication
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Extracellular vesicles as mediators of metabolomic changes in response to PET microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed piglets PET microplastics (a common plastic used in food packaging) and found that the particles changed the chemical signals carried by extracellular vesicles, which are tiny messengers that cells use to communicate with each other. The altered signals disrupted fat processing, energy production, sugar metabolism, and hormone production. This reveals a previously unknown way that microplastics could cause widespread disruption throughout the body.
Investigation of Cell-to-cell Transfer of Polystyrene Microplastics Through Extracellular Vesicle-mediated Communication
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated cell-to-cell transfer of polystyrene microplastics through extracellular vesicles, finding that cells can package and transfer plastic particles via vesicle-mediated pathways, a previously unrecognized route for intracellular plastic dissemination.
Microplastic and Extracellular Vesicle Interactions: Recent Studies on Human Health and Environment Risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores the newly discovered relationship between microplastics and extracellular vesicles, tiny particles that cells use to communicate with each other. Evidence indicates that microplastics can alter how these vesicles are distributed and what molecular signals they carry, potentially disrupting normal cell communication. Understanding this interaction could provide important insights into how microplastic exposure may contribute to inflammation, metabolic changes, and other health effects.
Polystyrene microplastic-induced extracellular vesicles cause kidney-related effects in the crosstalk between tubular cells and fibroblasts
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics cause kidney tubule cells to release tiny signaling packages (extracellular vesicles) that trigger stress responses and scarring in neighboring kidney cells. This cell-to-cell communication pathway spread the damage beyond the cells directly exposed to the microplastics. The findings suggest a mechanism by which microplastic exposure could contribute to kidney fibrosis and long-term kidney damage in humans.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.