Exposure to plastic debris alters expression of biomineralization, immune, and stress-related genes in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica).

ABSTRACT: The degradation of marine plastic debris poses a threat to organisms by fragmenting into micro- and nano-scale pieces and releasing a complex chemical leachate into the water. Numerous studies have investigated harms from plastic pollution such as microplastic ingestion and exposure to single chemicals. However, few studies have examined the holistic threat of plastic exposure and the synergistic impacts of chemical mixtures. The objective of this study was to measure changes in gene expression of gill and gonadal tissue of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in response to plastic debris exposure during their first year, using RNA-seq to explore multiple types of physiological responses. Shell and polyethylene terephthalate plastic were used as substrate for the metamorphosis of la

SUBMITTER: Eierman LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12040131 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature