Targeted activation of ErbB4 receptor ameliorates neuronal deficits and neuroinflammation in a food-borne polystyrene microplastic exposed mouse model.

ABSTRACT: The impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the nervous system has been documented in the literature. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor 4 (ErbB4) is crucial in neuronal injury and regeneration processes. This study investigated the role of targeted activation of ErbB4 receptor through a small molecule agonist, 4-bromo-1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (C11H7BrO3, E4A), in mitigating PS-MPs-induced neuronal injury. The findings revealed that targeted activation of ErbB4 receptor significantly ameliorated cognitive behavioral deficits in mice exposed to PS-MPs. Furthermore, E4A treatment upregulated the expression of dedicator of cytokinesis 3 (DOCK3) and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and mitigated mitochondrial and synaptic dysfunction withi

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11910855 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature