We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ferroptosis is the key cellular process mediating Bisphenol A responses in Chlamydomonas and a promising target for enhancing microalgae-based bioremediation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that ferroptosis, a specific type of cell death involving iron and lipid damage, is the primary cellular mechanism through which bisphenol A (BPA) — a common microplastic component — harms green algae. By understanding this pathway, they identified potential targets for enhancing the ability of microalgae to break down BPA pollution. The findings could help improve algae-based bioremediation strategies for cleaning up plastic-related contaminants in water.
Microplastics are one of the major pollutants in aquatic environments. Among their components, Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most abundant and dangerous, leading to endocrine disorders deriving even in different types of cancer in mammals. However, despite this evidence, the xenobiotic effects of BPA over plantae and microalgae still need to be better understood at the molecular level. To fill this gap, we characterized the physiological and proteomic response of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii during long-term BPA exposure by analyzing physiological and biochemical parameters combined with proteomics. BPA imbalanced iron and redox homeostasis, disrupting cell function and triggering ferroptosis. Intriguingly, this microalgae defense against this pollutant is recovering at both molecular and physiological levels while starch accumulation at 72 h of BPA exposure. In this work, we addressed the molecular mechanisms involved in BPA exposure, demonstrating for the first time the induction of ferroptosis in a eukaryotic alga and how ROS detoxification mechanisms and other specific proteomic rearrangements reverted this situation. These results are of great significance not only for understanding the BPA toxicology or exploring the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in microalgae but also for defining novel target genes for microplastic bioremediation efficient strain development.
More Papers Like This
Understanding the mechanistic roles of microplastics combined with heavy metals in regulating ferroptosis: Adding new paradigms regarding the links with diseases
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores the emerging connection between microplastics combined with heavy metals and a type of cell death called ferroptosis, which involves iron-dependent damage to cell membranes. Researchers found that both microplastics and heavy metals can independently trigger ferroptosis, and their combined presence may amplify this effect in organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain. The study suggests that understanding this cell death pathway could provide new insights into how environmental pollutant mixtures contribute to disease.
Green algae for the removal of bisphenol A: Integrated analysis of toxicological and metabolic responses at the cellular and molecular levels
AI summary Read the abstract
BPA, a chemical released as microplastics break down, is a known toxic pollutant found in water, soil, and even air—and this review rounds up what scientists currently know about how green algae can help remove it from water. The good news: some algae naturally break down or absorb BPA, offering a promising, low-cost way to clean up contaminated water, though BPA exposure also affects the algae's own health and growth. Since these algae sit at the bottom of the food chain and are also used to make foods and supplements, understanding how they handle BPA matters for both cleaning up pollution and keeping our food and water supplies safer.
Ferroptosis Induced by Micro/Nanoplastics: Mechanisms, Toxic Effects, and Implications for Aquaculture
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) can trigger a type of cell death called ferroptosis in farmed aquatic animals, damaging organs like the intestine, liver, and gills. It describes the biological mechanisms involved and discusses possible monitoring markers and management approaches for aquaculture settings.
The influence of microplastics on the toxic effects and biodegradation of bisphenol A in the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics inhibited the biodegradation of bisphenol A (BPA) by the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, with combined exposure showing greater toxicity than either contaminant alone due to BPA adsorption onto microplastic surfaces.
The influence of microplastics on the toxic effects and biodegradation of bisphenol A in the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that polystyrene microplastics worsen the toxic effects of the common chemical bisphenol A (BPA) on green algae, suggesting that microplastics in aquatic environments can amplify the harm caused by other pollutants and may have cascading effects on aquatic food chains.
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.