We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Host–Gut Microbiome Metabolic Interactions in PFAS-Impacted Freshwater Turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii)
Summary
Researchers applied multi-omics techniques to study how PFAS contamination affects host-gut microbiome metabolic interactions in freshwater turtles, revealing disrupted biochemical pathways and altered microbial community functions in turtles from a contaminated catchment in Queensland, Australia.
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a growing concern for humans, wildlife, and more broadly, ecosystem health. Previously, we characterised the microbial and biochemical impact of elevated PFAS on the gut microbiome of freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii) within a contaminated catchment in Queensland, Australia. However, the understanding of PFAS impacts on this species and other aquatic organisms is still very limited, especially at the host-gut microbiome molecular interaction level. To this end, the present study aimed to apply these leading-edge omics technologies within an integrated framework that provides biological insight into the host turtle-turtle gut microbiome interactions of PFAS-impacted wild-caught freshwater turtles. For this purpose, faecal samples from PFAS-impacted turtles (n = 5) and suitable PFAS-free reference turtles (n = 5) were collected and analysed. Data from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metabolomic profiling of the turtle faeces were integrated using MetOrigin to assign host, microbiome, and co-metabolism activities. Significant variation in microbial composition was observed between the two turtle groups. The PFAS-impacted turtles showed a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidota than the reference turtles. The faecal metabolome showed several metabolites and pathways significantly affected by PFAS exposure. Turtles exposed to PFAS displayed altered amino acid and butanoate metabolisms, as well as altered purine and pyrimidine metabolism. It is predicted from this study that PFAS-impacted both the metabolism of the host turtle and its gut microbiota which in turn has the potential to influence the host's physiology and health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Blood and cloacal microbiome profile of captive green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata): Water quality and conservation implications
Researchers analyzed the gut and blood microbiomes of captive green and hawksbill sea turtles and found that environmental factors — including microplastic polymer exposure and heavy metals — significantly shaped microbial community composition and correlated with blood health markers, underscoring the role of water quality in sea turtle conservation.
Multi-omics characterisation of Daphnia magna exposed to PFAS and microplastics: transcriptome and gut microbiome datasets
Researchers generated a multi-omics dataset from Daphnia magna exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS, PFOA, and PET microplastics, integrating gut microbiome 16S rRNA profiling and whole-organism transcriptomes to enable systems-level investigation of host-microbiome interactions under complex contaminant stress.
PFOS Induces Lipometabolism Change, Immune Defense, and Endocrine Disorders in Black-Spotted Frogs: Application of Transcriptome Profiling
Researchers used transcriptome profiling to show that PFOS exposure in black-spotted frogs disrupted lipid metabolism, immune defense, and endocrine function, identifying PPAR as a molecular initiating event and proposing an adverse outcome pathway for this persistent pollutant.
Microplastic exposure across trophic levels: effects on the host–microbiota of freshwater organisms
Researchers examined how microplastic exposure across trophic levels affects the gut microbiota of freshwater organisms, finding that microplastics alter microbial community composition and that effects can transfer through food web interactions.
Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism
This collection of studies investigates how environmental exposures, including microplastics, PFAS, and other emerging pollutants, disrupt the gut microbiota and alter host metabolism. The research covers a wide spectrum of contaminants and examines how they affect the trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract that play essential roles in human health. The findings suggest that environmental pollutants can drive metabolic changes by disrupting the balance between gut microbes and their human hosts.