Omics tools: New challenges in aquatic nanotoxicology?

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Ecotoxicogenomics
• Nanomaterial safety

Background:

• Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly used, leading to environmental release concerns.
• ENMs pose risks to aquatic ecosystems, but molecular toxicity mechanisms are poorly understood.
• Genomic approaches are crucial for assessing organismal responses to environmental contaminants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review transcriptomic and proteomic studies on aquatic organisms exposed to ENMs.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ENM toxicity in aquatic environments.
• To improve the prediction of ENM toxicity using ecotoxicogenomic data.

Main Methods:

• Overview of transcriptomic and proteomic studies in freshwater and marine organisms.
• Analysis of gene expression patterns following ENM exposure.
• Correlation of molecular responses with cellular modifications.

Main Results:

• ENM exposure induces gene expression related to defense, immunity, growth, and reproduction.
• Observed molecular responses varied based on ENM concentration and exposure duration.
• Positive correlations were found between gene expression and cellular changes, but not consistently at the individual organism level.

Conclusions:

• Ecotoxicogenomic approaches provide insights into ENM molecular toxicity mechanisms.
• ENMs trigger specific molecular defense pathways in aquatic organisms.
• Further research is needed to link molecular responses to individual-level impacts for comprehensive risk assessment.