Transcriptomic responses to silver nanoparticles in the freshwater unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila

Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being increasingly used as biocides in various consumer products and if released the environment they can affect non-target organisms. Therefore, understanding toxicity mechanism is crucial for both design of more efficient nano-antimicrobials nanomaterials that biologically environmentally benign throughout their life-cycle. Here, ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila was to elucidate mechanisms action AgNPs by analysing gene expression profile RNA-seq transcriptomic effects were compared those induced soluble salt, AgNO3. Exposure at sublethal concentrations 24 h phagocytosis, transport pathways, response oxidative stress, glutathione peroxidase activity, stimulus, oxidation-reduction, proteolysis, nitrogen metabolism process. Based on set enrichment analysis (GSEA), some biological processes appeared targets toxicants. In addition many similarities affected genes, triggered only NPs, like protein phosphorylation This research provides evidence AgNO3 same concentration dissolved ions dysregulate a higher number cellular pathways. These findings confirm induce not due from particles but also particle intrinsic features.