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Deciphering the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on erythropoiesis at single-cell resolution
Summary
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing in zebrafish embryos to show that polystyrene nanoparticle exposure disrupts blood cell development by impairing erythrocyte differentiation and heme synthesis, resulting in fewer mature red blood cells and raising concerns about aquatic ecosystem health.
Polystyrene nanoparticles pose significant toxicological risks to aquatic ecosystems, yet their impact on zebrafish ( Danio rerio) embryonic development, particularly erythropoiesis, remains underexplored. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively evaluate the effects of polystyrene nanoparticle exposure on erythropoiesis in zebrafish embryos. In vivo validation experiments corroborated the transcriptomic findings, revealing that polystyrene nanoparticle exposure disrupted erythrocyte differentiation, as evidenced by the decrease in mature erythrocytes and concomitant increase in immature erythrocytes. Additionally, impaired heme synthesis further contributed to the diminished erythrocyte population. These findings underscore the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on hematopoietic processes, highlighting their potential to compromise organismal health in aquatic environments.