Susceptible genes regulate the adverse effects of TiO2-NPs at predicted environmental relevant concentrations on nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

UNLABELLED

Contributions from mutations of susceptible genes to TiO2-NPs toxicity at environmental relevant concentrations (ERCs) and the underlying mechanism are largely unclear. After prolonged exposure, among the examined 19 mutants associated with oxidative stress or stress response, we show that sod-2, sod-3, mtl-2, and hsp-16.48 were susceptible genes for TiO2-NPs toxicity on reproduction and locomotion behavior, sod-2, sod-3, and mtl-2 were susceptible genes for TiO2-NPs toxicity on survival and intestinal development, and mtl-2 was susceptible gene for TiO2-NPs toxicity on development. Mutations of these susceptible genes, together with sensitive endpoints, could be used to evaluate TiO2-NPs toxicity at the concentration of 0.0001μg/L. Our results imply the usefulness of identified susceptible genes in assessing the potential nanotoxicity of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) at ERCs. One important mechanism to explain property of identified susceptible genes for TiO2-NPs toxicity was that mutations of these susceptible genes enhanced the uptake of TiO2-NPs into body of nematodes.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

This team of authors identified susceptibility genes influencing the uptake and consequential toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles in a nematode, highlighting the general importance of investigating genetic influence on nanoparticle delivery.