Transcriptomic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster larvae exposed to dimethyl phthalate reveals molecular insights into developmental retardation

Abstract

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, has been recognized for its capacity to impede biological development. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanism by which DMP inhibits biological processes. This study employed the Drosophila melanogaster larvae as a model organism to explore the mechanisms of developmental retardation induced by DMP exposure via a transcriptomic approach. The results showed that 1.2 g/L DMP exposure induced developmental retardation in larvae, as evidenced by a significant increase in the larval-to-pupal transition time compared to the standard diet. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing revealed 4451 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DMP-exposed larvae, comprising 2430 up-regulated and 394 down-regulated genes. These DEGs were predominantly involved in pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, transporter metabolism, endocrine system, and tumorigenesis. This indicates that developmental toxicity associated with DMP exposure is intricately linked to these pathways, underscoring the need to address the detrimental effects of DMP exposure. To summarize, exposure to DMP at a specific concentration has a deleterious effect on organismal development.