We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Altered gene expression in Chironomus riparius (insecta) in response to tire rubber and polystyrene microplastics
Summary
Researchers investigated changes in gene expression in the aquatic insect Chironomus riparius after exposure to polystyrene and tire rubber microplastics. The study found that both types of microplastics altered the expression of genes involved in stress response and detoxification, suggesting that microplastic pollution can cause molecular-level effects in freshwater organisms even at sublethal concentrations.
The extent until which plastics are present in our surrounding environment completely exceeds our expectations. Plastic materials in the form of microplastics have been found in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments and are transported through the atmosphere even to remote locations. However, we are still far from understanding the effects that they may have caused and are causing to biota. In the present study, we investigated the alterations in the expression of twelve genes in the aquatic insect Chironomus riparius after 36 h exposures to polystyrene and tire rubber microplastics at nominal concentrations of 1 and 10 mg L-1. The results indicated that several genes encoding for heat shock proteins (hsp90, Glycoprotein 93 (Gp93), hsc70, hsp60, hsp40, and the small HSP hsp17) were overexpressed respect to the control. In addition, the genes coding for manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD Mn, related to alleviation of oxidative stress) and for the FK506-binding protein of 39 kDa. (FKBP39, related to development and pupation) showed altered expression. Most of the alterations on gene expression level occurred at a concentration of 10 mg L-1 of tire rubber microplastics, although specific modifications arose at other concentrations of both rubber and polystyrene. On the contrary, one hsp gene (hsp10) and genes related to biotransformation and detoxification (Cyp9f2, Cyp12a2, and ABCB6) did not alter their expression in any of the treatments. Overall, the results of the gene expression indicated that microplastics (especially tire rubber) or their additives caused cellular stress that led to some alterations in the normal gene expression but did not cause any mortality after 36 h. These results highlight the need for more studies that describe the alterations caused by microplastics at the molecular level. Additionally, it opens questions about the effects caused to aquatic fauna in environmental realistic situations, especially in hot spots of microplastic contamination (e.g., tire rubber released in storm water runoff discharge points).
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Chironomus riparius molecular response to polystyrene primary microplastics
Researchers examined the molecular response of the aquatic midge larva Chironomus riparius to polystyrene primary microplastics, investigating how these emerging contaminants affect gene expression in this standard toxicology test organism.
Suborganismal responses of the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius to polyethylene microplastics
Researchers exposed Chironomus riparius larvae to polyethylene microplastics and used transcriptomics and metabolomics to characterize suborganismal responses, finding disruption of oxidative stress pathways, energy metabolism, and cuticle synthesis — effects not captured by standard life-history endpoints alone.
Effects of Polyurethane Small-Sized Microplastics in the Chironomid, Chironomus riparius: Responses at Organismal and Sub-Organismal Levels
This study exposed the freshwater chironomid Chironomus riparius to polyurethane microplastics (7-9 micrometers) and found dose-dependent effects on survival, growth, and oxidative stress markers. The results indicate polyurethane microplastics are toxic to this widely used aquatic invertebrate indicator species.
Metabolomic responses in freshwater benthic invertebrate, Chironomus tepperi, exposed to polyethylene microplastics: A two-generational investigation
Researchers examined metabolomic changes in the freshwater midge Chironomus tepperi exposed to polyethylene microplastics across two generations, finding that environmentally relevant concentrations altered metabolite profiles and negatively affected survival and emergence.
Epigenetic and Gene Expression Responses in Daphnia magna to Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics
Researchers exposed water fleas (Daphnia magna) to polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics and examined changes at the genetic and molecular level. They found that the microplastics altered DNA methylation patterns and disrupted the expression of genes involved in reproduction and stress response. The study provides evidence that microplastic exposure can cause changes beyond physical harm, affecting organisms at the epigenetic level.