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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Small Molecule Screening and Toxicity Testing in Early-stage Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: March 7, 2025
Multiple bioanalytical method to reveal developmental biological responses in zebrafish embryos exposed to
Xing Dong1, Hai Xu1, Xiangyang Wu1
1Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China.
Abstract:
Triclocarban (TCC) is a well-known antibacterial agent that is frequently detected in environmental, wildlife and human samples. The potential toxicological effects and action mechanism of TCC on vertebrate development has remained unclear. In the present study, we analyzed phenotypic alterations, thyroid hormone levels, thyroid hormone responsive genes, and proteomic profiles of zebrafish embryos after exposure to a series of concentrations of TCC from 6 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 120 hpf. The most nonlethal concentration (MNLC), lethal concentration 10% (LC10) and lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of TCC for exposures of 96 h were 133.3 μg/L, 147.5 μg/L and 215.8 μg/L, respectively. Our results showed that exposure to TCC decreased heart rate, delayed yolk absorption and swim bladder development at MNLC and LC10. Exposure to MNLC of TCC inhibited thyroid hormone and altered expression of thyroid hormone responsive genes. Furthermore, exposure to 1/20 MNLC of TCC altered expression of proteins related to binding and metabolism, skeletal muscle development and function, as well as proteins involved in nervous system development and immune response, indicating TCC has potential health risks in wildlife and humans at low concentration level.
Insights
Triclocarban (TCC) exposure in zebrafish embryos caused developmental issues, including reduced heart rate and delayed development. Low-level TCC exposure also impacted thyroid hormones and protein expression, indicating potential risks to wildlife and humans.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Triclocarban (TCC) is a widespread antibacterial agent found in various environmental and biological samples.
- The toxicological effects and mechanisms of TCC on vertebrate development are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenotypic, hormonal, genetic, and proteomic effects of TCC exposure on zebrafish embryos.
- To determine the potential health risks of TCC to wildlife and humans.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of TCC from 6 to 120 hours post-fertilization.
- Phenotypic alterations, heart rate, yolk absorption, swim bladder development, thyroid hormone levels, gene expression, and proteomic profiles were analyzed.
Main Results:
- TCC exposure at nonlethal and low lethal concentrations decreased heart rate and delayed development.
- TCC inhibited thyroid hormone and altered the expression of related genes.
- Low-level TCC exposure affected proteins involved in metabolism, muscle, nervous system, and immune functions.
Conclusions:
- Triclocarban poses potential health risks to wildlife and humans, even at low environmental concentrations.
- TCC disrupts normal vertebrate development through endocrine and proteomic alterations.
