The use of New Approach Methodologies (high-throughput transcriptomics) to study nanoagrochemicals - mechanisms of toxicity of a commercial copper oxychloride

A high-throughput gene expression microarray (NAMs) was used. Results showed that a high transcriptomic response after 21 days of exposure (compared to 2 days), although after 2 days there was an indication of increase in intracellular transport. At 21 days, enchytraeids exhibited a gene expression profile compatible with effects on embryo development (down-regulation of hemicentin 2 and serine/threonine protein kinase 25), which might be linked to reproductive effects observed at organism level at 28 and 56 days of exposure.

Several of the genes found up-regulated points towards mitochondrial stress, and activation of mechanisms to cope with oxidative stress. This study is a key contribution to a knowledge gap, the mechanisms of toxicity of nanoagrochemicals, particularly concerning non-target species.