Polystyrene Nanoparticles Induce Transcriptional Repression in TM4 Sertoli Cells

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Epigenetics
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) are common environmental contaminants.
• PS-NPs can accumulate in biological tissues, posing potential health risks.
• Sertoli cells (TM4) are vital for maintaining the male spermatogenesis microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of PS-NPs on TM4 cells.
• To assess PS-NP-induced cytotoxicity, internalization, and aggregation.
• To identify transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in TM4 cells exposed to PS-NPs.

Main Methods:

• TM4 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of PS-NPs (0-100 μg/mL) for 24-72 hours.
• Cell viability, membrane integrity, and ROS levels were measured.
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), transcriptomic sequencing, and qRT-PCR were employed.

Main Results:

• PS-NPs were internalized and aggregated in TM4 cells, increasing ROS levels and compromising membrane integrity.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed 382 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 320 downregulated.
• PS-NP exposure significantly reduced Tet3 expression, linked to aberrant DNA methylation patterns and transcriptional repression.

Conclusions:

• PS-NPs induce epigenetic changes in TM4 cells, primarily through Tet3 downregulation and disruption of DNA methylation.
• These epigenetic alterations suggest potential adverse effects on the male reproductive microenvironment and spermatogenesis.
• The study highlights the need to understand the epigenetic impact of environmental contaminants like PS-NPs.