Epigenetic and Gene Expression Responses in Daphnia magna to Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics

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Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), ubiquitous environmental pollutants, pose substantial threats to aquatic ecosystems and organisms, including the model species Daphnia magna. This study examined the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on D. magna, focusing on ingestion, epigenetic alterations, and transcriptional responses. Exposure experiments revealed a concentration-dependent accumulation of MPs, with PS particles showing higher ingestion rates due to their higher density and propensity for aggregation. Epigenetic analyses demonstrated that exposure to PE MPs significantly reduced global DNA methylation (5-mC), suggesting hypomethylation as a potential stress response. Conversely, DNA hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) displayed variability under PS exposure. Transcriptional analysis identified a marked downregulation of Vitellogenin 1 (v1) and upregulation of Ecdysone Receptor B (ecr-b), highlighting stress-related and adaptive molecular responses. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular and epigenetic effects of MPs on aquatic organisms, offering critical insights for developing effective environmental management and conservation strategies in the face of escalating MP pollution.

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