Transcriptomic profile in carbendazim-induced developmental defects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos/larvae

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Carbendazim is a broad-spectrum fungicide extensively used in agriculture and horticulture.
• Previous studies indicate carbendazim causes toxicity in mammalian models, including reproductive, carcinogenic, and developmental effects.
• Data on carbendazim's developmental toxicity in aquatic organisms remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental toxicity of carbendazim in zebrafish embryos.
• To assess phenotypic abnormalities and transcriptomic changes following carbendazim exposure.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying carbendazim-induced developmental toxicity in an aquatic model.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish embryos were exposed to carbendazim (800 μg/L).
• Phenotypic assessments were conducted at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-fertilization (hpf).
• Transcriptomic profiling was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their functional pathways.

Main Results:

• Phenotypic abnormalities observed at 48 hpf included delayed hatching, spinal curvature, and pericardial edema.
• Scoliosis was a notable abnormality at 72 hpf in carbendazim-exposed zebrafish.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1253 DEGs, with significant alterations in phototransduction, immune system, SNARE interactions, riboflavin metabolism, transcription factors, insulin signaling, and bile acid biosynthesis pathways.

Conclusions:

• Carbendazim exposure induces significant developmental abnormalities in zebrafish.
• Molecular analysis reveals pleiotropic effects on diverse biological pathways, contributing to observed phenotypic changes.
• The findings suggest carbendazim poses a developmental risk to aquatic organisms, necessitating further investigation.