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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Mining Spatial Transcriptomics Datasets using DeepSpaceDB
Published on: September 5, 2025
Spatial transcriptome mapping identifies Ppara-Anxa2 cross-talk in microplastic-induced hepatotoxicity
Woncheol Jung1, Hassan Abushukair1, Nikhil Y Patil2,3
1Department of Oncology Science, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Campus, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Science Advances
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Polyethylene microplastics cause liver dysfunction and alter gene expression in mice. Spatial transcriptomics reveals inflammatory hotspots and identifies nuclear receptor Ppara as a key regulator of damage response genes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are a growing global health concern, linked to chronic diseases.
- The liver is vulnerable to MP exposure, but mechanisms of polyethylene (PE) impact are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hepatic responses to polyethylene (PE) microplastic exposure.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of PE-induced liver dysfunction using advanced transcriptomic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Combined bulk and spatial transcriptomics in mice exposed to PE.
- Analysis of transcriptional alterations in standard and MASH-inducing diets.
- Identification of key nuclear receptors and their regulatory targets.
Main Results:
- PE exposure caused hepatic dysfunction and distinct transcriptional changes.
- Spatial transcriptomics revealed inflammatory hotspots and cell type heterogeneity.
- Nuclear receptor signaling, particularly Ppara, emerged as a key regulatory axis.
Conclusions:
- PE microplastics disrupt hepatic homeostasis and tissue organization.
- Spatial transcriptomics is valuable for understanding environmental impacts on liver pathophysiology.
- Ppara and its regulation of Anxa2 offer potential therapeutic targets for MP-induced liver damage.
