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Multi-omics analysis reveals the molecular responses of Torreya grandis shoots to nanoplastic pollutant

Journal of Hazardous Materials 2022 63 citations

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Researchers used multi-omics analysis to examine how polystyrene nanoplastics affect Torreya grandis, an economically important tree species in China. They found that nanoplastic exposure disrupted the seedlings' metabolism and gene expression, particularly affecting pathways related to photosynthesis and stress responses. The study provides some of the first evidence that nanoplastic pollution can interfere with the molecular processes of higher terrestrial plants, not just aquatic organisms.

Polymers
Study Type Environmental

Micro/nanoplastic has become an emerging pollutant of global concern. At present, ecotoxic researches on micro/nanoplastics mostly focus on marine aquatic organisms and freshwater algae. Research on the ecological impacts of plastics on higher terrestrial plants, especially on forest plants, is relatively limited. Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii, a species of conifer in the family Taxaceae, is a unique and economically valuable tree species in China. The physiological and biochemical responses of T. grandis seedlings to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) with a diameter of 100 nm were systematically studied inthe present study. The results showed that nanoplastics enhanced the accumulation of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and the activities of catalase and peroxidase. The concentrations of iron, sulfur, and zinc were reduced after nanoplastic exposure. PSNP treatment had an important effect on a series of chemical and genetic indicators of T. grandis, includingantioxidants, small RNA, gene transcription, protein expressions, and metabolite accumulation. Multi-omic analysis revealed that PSNPs modulate terpenoid- and flavonoid-biosynthesis pathways by regulating small RNA transcription and protein expression. Our study provided novelty insights into the responses of forest plants to nanoplastic treatment.

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