Global Gene Expression Profile Induced By The Uv-Filter 2-Ethyl-Hexyl-4-Trimethoxycinnamate (Ehmc) In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

Residues of the UV-filter 2-ethyl-hexyl-4-trimethoxycinnamate (EHMC) are ubiquitously found in aquatic biota but potential adverse effects in fish are fairly unknown. To identify molecular effects and modes of action of EHMC we applied a gene expression profiling in zebrafish using whole genome microarrays. Transcriptome analysis and validation of targeted genes were performed after 14 days of exposure of male zebrafish. Concentrations of 2.2 mu g/L and 890 mu g/L EHMC lead to alteration of 1096 and 1137 transcripts, respectively, belonging to many pathways. Genes involved in lipid metabolism and estrogenic pathway (vtg1), lipid biosynthesis (ptgds), vitamin A metabolic process (rbp2a), DNA damage and apoptosis (gadd45b), and regulation of cell growth (igfbp1a) were investigated by qRT-PCR analysis in whole body, liver, brain and testis. The analysis showed tissue-specific gene profiles and revealed that EHMC slightly affects the transcription of genes involved in hormonal pathways including vtg1, esr1, esr2b, ar, cyp19b and hsd17 beta 3. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.