Transcriptomic analysis reveals decreased expression of detoxification genes in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to mepanipyrim and cyprodinil: Implications for multigenerational exposure effects
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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
Using Caenorhabditis elegans for Studying Trans- and Multi-Generational Effects of Toxicants
Published on: July 29, 2019
Tingting Gai1, Lianfeng Zhang2, Liangwen Chen1
1School of Bioengineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, Anhui 232038, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Bioresource and Environmental Biotechnology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, Anhui 232038, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The broad-spectrum fungicides mepanipyrim (Mep) and cyprodinil (Cyp) have been reported to be used worldwide to control gray mold of fruit crops. Consequently, they are often detected in the water and food items. However, the impacts and potential mechanisms of these two pesticides on environmental organisms remain unclear. Utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as the model, the toxic effects and mechanisms were analyzed after Mep and Cyp exposure over four generations (P0-F3). The results showed that Mep and Cyp at concentrations over 0.1 µg/L affected the motility behavior, while 1.0 µg/L dosage and above inhibited the growth of C. elegans. In addition, multigenerational exposure could significantly impair both locomotion and development of C. elegans even at 0.01 µg/L dosage. Notably, constant exposure resulted in the function abnormalities of cholinergic, dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons, as well as the accumulation of ROS. Further transcriptome analysis showed reduced expression of 14 genes and 26 genes in xenobiotic metabolic pathway following Mep and Cyp exposure, respectively. The buildup of Mep/Cyp and ROS might have led to nerve impairment and behavioral abnormality. These findings enhanced understanding of the toxic effects of Mep and Cyp and provided insights into their eco-toxicological evaluation.
Insights
Broad-spectrum fungicides mepanipyrim (Mep) and cyprodinil (Cyp) harm C. elegans development and nerve function, even at low, multigenerational doses. These pesticides pose environmental risks, impacting organismal health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Pesticide ecotoxicology
- Developmental toxicology
Background:
- Mepanypyrim (Mep) and cyprodinil (Cyp) are widely used fungicides detected in water and food.
- Their environmental impacts and toxicological mechanisms on non-target organisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects and mechanisms of Mep and Cyp on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) across four generations.
- To assess the impact of these fungicides on organismal development, behavior, and neurological function.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of C. elegans to Mep and Cyp across four generations (P0-F3).
- Assessment of motility, growth, and developmental parameters.
- Analysis of neuronal function (cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation.
- Transcriptome analysis to identify affected metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Mep and Cyp impaired C. elegans motility above 0.1 µg/L and inhibited growth above 1.0 µg/L.
- Multigenerational exposure at 0.01 µg/L significantly impaired locomotion and development.
- Exposure led to abnormalities in cholinergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic neurons and increased ROS.
- Transcriptome analysis revealed downregulation of xenobiotic metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
- Mep and Cyp exhibit significant toxicity to C. elegans, affecting development, behavior, and neurological systems.
- Multigenerational exposure exacerbates these toxic effects, even at low concentrations.
- Pesticide accumulation and ROS contribute to neurotoxicity and behavioral abnormalities, highlighting eco-toxicological risks.
