Liquid Crystal Monomer: A Potential PPARγ Antagonist.

Area of Science:

• Environmental chemistry
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are prevalent in LCDs and e-waste.
• Research on LCM environmental presence is growing, but toxic effects are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively elucidate the toxicity and mechanisms of LCMs using integrated omics analysis.
• To identify specific molecular targets and pathways affected by LCM exposure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in silico simulation, in vitro assays, and omics integration (metabolome, transcriptome).
• Employed high-throughput virtual screening and reporter gene assays.
• Analyzed LCM effects on HK2 cells.

Main Results:

• Identified specific LCMs antagonizing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ).
• Observed global metabolome and transcriptome dysregulation in HK2 cells.
• Found significant dysregulation of fatty acid β-oxidation, potentially mediated by IL-17, TNF, and NF-kB pathways.

Conclusions:

• LCMs act as potential PPARγ antagonists.
• Discovered a trans-omics toxicological mode of action for LCMs.
• Findings offer insights for future chemical risk assessments of LCMs.