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Investigating the Molecular Response of Skeletonema marinoi to Polyethylene Nano/Microplastics: Insights into Stress Genes, Inflammation, and Extracellular Polymeric Substance Production
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Researchers exposed the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi to polyethylene nano- and microplastics and found that, despite no significant effect on growth, the particles triggered oxidative stress responses, inflammatory-like gene expression, and activation of programmed cell death pathways. The study suggests that even when diatoms appear resilient on the surface, microplastics may cause subtle molecular disruptions that could affect bloom dynamics and carbon cycling in the ocean.
Background: Nano- and microplastics (N/MPs) are widespread pollutants in aquatic ecosystems and may interfere with the physiology of diatoms. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: Cultures of the diatom species Skeletonema marinoi, a key contributor to marine primary production and biogeochemical cycles, were exposed for 10 days to polyethylene (PE) N/MPs (25 and 75 µg/mL). Growth, morphology, and cell viability were monitored, while gene expression of stress, inflammation, programmed cell death (PCD), and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biosynthesis markers was assessed by RT-qPCR. Results: Growth was not significantly affected. Gene expression showed biphasic regulation of antioxidant enzymes, induction of HSP70/90, transient modulation of prostaglandin-related genes, and dose- and time-dependent activation of PCD markers. Selected CAZymes possibly involved in EPS synthesis were downregulated at early stages, suggesting impaired aggregation potential. Conclusions: Exposure to PE N/MPs elicited subtle yet multifaceted effects in S. marinoi, including oxidative stress, inflammatory-like responses, modulation of EPS pathways, and PCD activation. Despite apparent growth resilience, the molecular alterations observed may impact bloom dynamics and carbon export.
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