The Impact of Forever Chemicals on Protein Structure and Function

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," are widely used industrial compounds with long environmental half-lives.
• PFAS bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife, posing significant cumulative exposure risks.
• Growing evidence links PFAS exposure to adverse human health outcomes, prompting regulatory scrutiny and lower exposure limits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of PFAS interactions with biomolecules.
• To summarize the impact of PFAS on the structure and function of key biological components.
• To guide future research into PFAS toxicology and biomolecular effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on PFAS effects.
• Analysis of studies investigating PFAS interactions with proteins and membranes.
• Synthesis of data on PFAS impact on albumins, hemoproteins, nuclear receptors, and membrane receptors.

Main Results:

• PFAS are known to have acute and chronic adverse health effects.
• Research is increasingly focusing on the biomolecular mechanisms of PFAS toxicity.
• This review consolidates knowledge on PFAS effects on specific biomolecules like albumins and receptors.

Conclusions:

• PFAS pose a significant and growing risk due to their persistence and bioaccumulation.
• Understanding PFAS impact on biomolecular structure and function is crucial for assessing health risks.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of PFAS toxicity and inform mitigation strategies.