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Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt the intestinal microenvironment by altering bacteria-host interactions through extracellular vesicle-delivered microRNAs

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  • Wei-Hsuan Hsu

    (National Cheng Kung University
    National Cheng Kung University)

  • You-Zuo Chen

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Yi-Ting Chiang

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Yi-Tsen Chang

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Yi-Wen Wang

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Kung-Ting Hsu

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Yi-Yun Hsu

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Pei-Ting Wu

    (National Cheng Kung University)

  • Bao-Hong Lee

    (National Chiayi University)

Abstract

Nanoplastics (NP) are emerging environmental pollutants with potential risks to human health. This study investigates how polystyrene-NP exposure disrupts the intestinal microenvironment and barrier function through bacteria-host interactions. Using in vivo models and bacterial sorting technology, we show that NP accumulation in the mouse intestine alters the expression of intestinal miR-501-3p and miR-700-5p, compromising tight junction protein ZO-1 and mucin (MUC)−13 expression, thereby increasing intestinal permeability. NP increases miR-98-3p, miR-548z, miR-548h-3o, miR-548d-3p, miR-548az-5p, miR-12136, and miR-101-3p levels in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from goblet-like cells, which can interfere with ZO-1 expression. NP also induces gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by elevated Ruminococcaceae abundance and altered EV characteristics from goblet cells. Lachnospiraceae internalize NP, and their EVs suppress MUC-13 expression. These findings reveal a mechanism by which NP compromises intestinal integrity and indirectly alters intestinal microbiota composition, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei-Hsuan Hsu & You-Zuo Chen & Yi-Ting Chiang & Yi-Tsen Chang & Yi-Wen Wang & Kung-Ting Hsu & Yi-Yun Hsu & Pei-Ting Wu & Bao-Hong Lee, 2025. "Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt the intestinal microenvironment by altering bacteria-host interactions through extracellular vesicle-delivered microRNAs," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59884-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59884-y
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    1. Giljae Lee & Hyun Ju You & Jasmohan S. Bajaj & Sae Kyung Joo & Junsun Yu & Seoyeon Park & Hyena Kang & Jeong Hwan Park & Jung Ho Kim & Dong Hyeon Lee & Seonhwa Lee & Won Kim & GwangPyo Ko, 2020. "Distinct signatures of gut microbiome and metabolites associated with significant fibrosis in non-obese NAFLD," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Lauren M. Mashburn & Marvin Whiteley, 2005. "Membrane vesicles traffic signals and facilitate group activities in a prokaryote," Nature, Nature, vol. 437(7057), pages 422-425, September.
    3. Rajbir Singh & Sandeep Chandrashekharappa & Sobha R. Bodduluri & Becca V. Baby & Bindu Hegde & Niranjan G. Kotla & Ankita A. Hiwale & Taslimarif Saiyed & Paresh Patel & Matam Vijay-Kumar & Morgan G. I, 2019. "Enhancement of the gut barrier integrity by a microbial metabolite through the Nrf2 pathway," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-18, December.
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