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Biochemical and Transcriptomic Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Juvenile Amphiprion ocellaris
* 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 1 , 3 , 1 , 5 , 6 , 7, 8 , 9 , 7
1  Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri, 10, 34127, Trieste, Italy
2  Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, via F. Acton, 55, 80133, Naples, Italy
3  Department of Life Sciences and Environment, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
4  Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80126, Naples, Italy
5  Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins, BIOM, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
6  Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
7  Department of Integrated Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80126, Naples, Italy
8  NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
9  Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Contrada Porticatello, 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
Academic Editor: Xiaojun Luo

Abstract:

Nanoplastics (NPs) pose significant ecological risks due to their small size and ability to penetrate biological tissues across all trophic levels. However, their biological effects remain incompletely understood, particularly in tropical reef ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of short-term (7-day) exposure to carboxyl-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs, 100 nm) on juvenile clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), using two concentrations: low (20 µg/L, environmentally relevant) and high (2000 µg/L). A multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical and transcriptomic analyses was used to assess toxicity. Biochemical assays revealed limited changes in oxidative stress biomarkers (CAT, GR, GST, and TOSCA assays). However, the Integrated Biomarker Response index (IBRv2i) suggested compromised fish health, a finding supported by transcriptomic data. Gene expression analysis showed that both concentrations induced significant changes, with shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mostly upregulated, indicating a core molecular response. Despite this, each treatment also elicited unique transcriptional signatures. GO enrichment analysis of the high-concentration group highlighted processes related to muscle contraction, extracellular matrix organization, and oxidative stress responses, suggesting structural and physiological remodeling. In contrast, the low-concentration group showed enrichment for sensory system development, particularly visual function, as well as neurodevelopment and metabolic processes. These results indicate that even low NP concentrations can trigger substantial molecular alterations, although the nature of the biological response varies by exposure level. While high exposure is associated with stress adaptation and tissue restructuring, low exposure predominantly affects neural and sensory pathways. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PS-NP exposure can alter gene expression and physiological state in juvenile reef fish, even at environmentally relevant concentrations. The distinct molecular profiles observed at different concentrations underscore the importance of exposure level in determining affected biological systems and potential long-term impacts of nanoplastic pollution in marine environments.

Keywords: plastic pollution; toxicogenomics; clownfish; oxidative stress; IBRv2i; molecular alterations; tissue restructuring; neural and sensory pathways
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