0
Article Tier 2 Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Nanotoxicological effects and transcriptome mechanisms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under stress of polystyrene nanoplastics

Journal of Hazardous Materials 2021 148 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics affect wheat plants at the molecular level using gene expression analysis. They found that nanoplastic exposure disrupted genes involved in photosynthesis, hormone signaling, and stress responses, ultimately reducing plant growth. The study provides new insights into how nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could harm crop development at a fundamental biological level.

Polymers

At present, the uptake and accumulation of nanoplastics by plants have raised particular concerns. However, molecular mechanisms underlying nanoplastic phytotoxicity are still vague and insufficient. To address this scientific gap, we analyzed the transcriptome response of hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) (100 nm) by integrating the differentially expressed gene analysis (DEGA) and the weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). PSNPs could significantly shape the gene expression patterns of wheat in a tissue-specific manner. Four candidate modules and corresponding hub genes associated with plant traits were identified using WGCNA. PSNPs significantly altered carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway-plant, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. In addition, some Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with the metal ion transport were further screened. These findings shed new light on the phytotoxic mechanism and environmental implication behind the interaction of nanoplastics and crop plants, and advance our understanding of the potential adverse effect induced by the presence of nanoplastics in agricultural systems.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Transcriptome mechanisms underlying interaction of polystyrene nanoplastics and wheat Triticum aestivum L.

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers used transcriptome analysis to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying wheat plant responses to polystyrene nanoplastic exposure. The study identified differentially expressed genes involved in stress responses, hormone signaling, and metabolic pathways that are disrupted by nanoplastic uptake.

Article Tier 2

Toxicity effects of nanoplastics on soybean (Glycine max L.): Mechanisms and transcriptomic analysis

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers exposed soybean plants to polystyrene nanoplastics and observed inhibited stem and root growth, increased oxidative stress, and disrupted photosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that nanoplastics altered the expression of genes involved in plant stress responses, hormone signaling, and metabolic pathways. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could negatively affect crop growth and yield at the molecular level.

Article Tier 2

Physiobiochemical and transcriptional responses of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to different doses of polystyrene nanoplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers examined how different concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics affect tobacco plant growth at both the physiological and molecular levels. They found that higher doses caused oxidative stress, reduced photosynthesis, and triggered significant changes in gene expression related to stress responses. The study reveals that nanoplastic toxicity in plants is dose-dependent and involves complex molecular mechanisms beyond simple physical damage.

Article Tier 2

Polystyrene Nanoplastics Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in Cellular Processes in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.)

AI summary Read the abstract

Scientists exposed a common lab plant to tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) and found they disrupted genes controlling cell growth, stress responses, and the plant's ability to defend itself and remove toxins. While this study was done in plants, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics—now found in our air, water, and food—can interfere with basic biological processes at the cellular level, raising questions about their potential effects on the crops we eat and, ultimately, our own health.

Article Tier 2

Molecular mechanisms of toxicity and detoxification in rice (Oryza sativa L.) exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics affect rice seedlings at the molecular level. They found that nanoplastic exposure significantly reduced root and shoot growth by over 50%, while triggering oxidative stress and activating genes related to both toxicity and defense responses. The study provides new insights into how crop plants respond to nanoplastic contamination at the genetic and physiological level.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper