Developmental exposure to the pesticide malathion enhances expression of Prdm12, a regulator of nociceptor development, in .

The transcription factor Prdm12 exerts important influences on the development of nociceptors, peripheral touch and pain-sensing neurons, and has been implicated in human pain sensation disorders. We examined the consequences of exposing developing embryos to the commonly used pesticide malathion on Prdm12 expression. Using qPCR and western blot analysis we observed that malathion treatment for the first six days of tadpole development significantly increased both mRNA levels and Prdm12 protein levels compared to controls. Consequently, early exposure to this pesticide has potential to alter nociceptor development.