Project R-17023

Molecular Mechanisms of micro and nanoplastic induced Neurotoxicity: The Role of Physicochemical Properties (Research)

The global increase in plastic production has led to widespread contamination by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), which accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and enter the food chain. Developing organisms are particularly vulnerable, as MNP exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, and impaired neurodevelopment. Among common polymers, polystyrene (PS) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) are frequently detected and associated with neurotoxic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood, especially under environmentally relevant conditions. Particle size is a key determinant of toxicity, influencing cellular uptake and pathway activation. Smaller particles may accumulate directly in neural tissues, while larger particles may trigger indirect systemic stress responses. This project aims to define the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental toxicity of real-life plastic particles and to determine how particle properties and uptake profiles contribute to these adverse effects. The freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea serves as the primary model to link particle uptake with behavioral, morphological, and transcriptomic changes. Findings will be integrated with zebrafish embryos and dental pulp-derived stem cell models to identify conserved molecular pathways.

01 November 2026 - 31 October 2030