Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Understanding DNA Damage Response in Mammalian Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos
Published on: June 23, 2023
Whole transcriptome characterization of polystyrene microplastic-induced sperm DNA damage mouse spermatocytes model
Chenming Zhang1, Zhelin Chen2, Wenbang Liu2
1The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms by which microplastic toxicity leads to DNA damage in mouse spermatocytes.MethodsWe randomly divided GC-2 cells into a control group and a polystyrene microplastic (PS) group and then evaluated the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in these cells via a comet assay. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on the basis of DFI results. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were based on the results of the entire transcriptome sequencing. At the same time, we also performed q-PCR validation on some significantly expressed genes and drew a toxicological network diagram on PS and mouse spermatocytes.ResultsComet assay results revealed that the intake of PS increased the DFI of mouse spermatocytes. Whole-transcriptome sequencing revealed that 61 circRNAs, 132 lncRNAs, 40 miRNAs, and 140 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the control and PS groups. GO and KEGG analyses revealed some notable enrichment in cellular components, molecular functions, biological processes, and gene expression pathways such as the defense response to viruses, the defense response to symbionts, the RIG-I-like receptor, the NOD-like receptor, and the calcium signaling pathways. Q-PCR and the network analysis revealed that PS affects the DFI of mouse spermatocytes mainly by influencing immune responses.ConclusionPS may damage the sperm DNA and increase the DFI by affecting cellular immunity-related pathways and redox pathways such as the RIG-I-like receptor and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS) increase DNA damage in mouse sperm by affecting immune and redox pathways. This study reveals PS impacts cellular immunity, leading to increased DNA fragmentation index (DFI).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern.
- Understanding microplastic toxicity mechanisms is crucial for reproductive health.
- Polystyrene microplastics (PS) are common environmental contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how microplastic toxicity causes DNA damage in mouse spermatocytes.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in PS-induced sperm DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- GC-2 cells were exposed to PS, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed using a comet assay.
- Whole-transcriptome sequencing (circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, mRNA) was performed.
- Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted.
- Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) validated gene expression and toxicological network diagrams were created.
Main Results:
- PS exposure significantly increased the DFI in mouse spermatocytes.
- Differential expression of 61 circRNAs, 132 lncRNAs, 40 miRNAs, and 140 mRNAs was observed.
- Enrichment analysis highlighted pathways including defense responses, RIG-I-like receptor, NOD-like receptor, and calcium signaling.
- Network analysis indicated PS affects DFI primarily through immune response pathways.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics can induce sperm DNA damage and increase DFI.
- PS-induced DNA damage is linked to alterations in cellular immunity-related and redox pathways.
- RIG-I-like receptor and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways are implicated in PS toxicity to spermatocytes.
