Work

Epigenetic and Gene Expression Responses of Daphnia magna to Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs), ubiquitous environmental pollutants, pose substantial threats to aquatic ecosystems and organisms, including the model species Daphnia magna. This study examined the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on D. magna, focusing on ingestion, epigenetic alterations, and transcriptional responses. Exposure experiments revealed a concentration-dependent accumulation of MPs, with PS particles showing higher ingestion rates due to their higher density and propensity for aggregation. Epigenetic analyses demonstrated that exposure to PE MPs significantly reduced global DNA methylation (5-mC), suggesting hypomethylation as a potential stress response. Conversely, DNA hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) displayed variability under PS exposure. Transcriptional analysis identified a marked downregulation of Vitellogenin 1 (v1) and upregulation of Ecdysone Receptor B (ecr-b), highlighting stress-related and adaptive molecular responses. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular and epigenetic effects of MPs on aquatic organisms, offering critical insights for developing effective environmental management and conservation strategies in the face of escalating MP pollution.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules30071608

Authors: Hyungjoon Im, Jieun Lee, Jeong-Eun Oh, Jinyoung Song, Sanghyun Jeong

Institutions: Pusan National University, Korea Institute of Toxicology

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea