NP fish exposure studies
Due to
their unique physico-chemical properties, nanoparticles (NPs) are
being developed for a range of applications. However, their
fate in, and effect on, the environment remains a real concern.
For example, there is evidence that NPs can translocate along
olfactory neurons. This could potentially cause biochemical
changes, such as oxidative stress in the brain of fish.
This suggests that the behaviour of exposed individuals might
be affected by NPs.
We have been developing an integrated approach to our
investigations into whether disturbance to higher-level
functions in animals following NP exposure occurs. Using the
three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus),
behavioral assays are combined with genomic and histological
markers.
During a recent study into fish
toxicogenomics, in collaboration with
Prof Kevin Chipman at the University of Birmingham's School of
Biosciences, the expression of over 35,000 genes was interrogated
by using an homologous stickleback microarray. This demonstrated
that fullerenes ("Buckyballs") significantly alter tissue-specific
gene-expression profiles in sticklebacks after a short-term
exposure.
These findings suggest that transcriptomics are a useful
technique for the risk assessment of chemicals. Even more
importantly, the study provided evidence that widely used
nanomaterials can be harmful to wildlife.