网络毒理学策略分析PET微塑料致阿尔茨海默病的潜在机制

A network toxicology approach to investigating the potential mechanisms of PET microplastics-induced Alzheimer's disease

  • 摘要: 聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯微塑料(PET-MPs)是一种广泛存在的环境污染物,其对中枢神经系统具有潜在毒性,然而,PET-MPs的中枢神经系统损伤机制尚未明确。本研究聚焦于阿尔茨海默病(AD),采用网络毒理学策略,旨在系统解析PET-MPs诱导AD的潜在靶点与分子机制。首先通过PubChem数据库获取PET-MPs的结构信息,并借助ChEMBL、SEA及Swiss Target Prediction数据库预测其潜在作用靶点。随后,利用GeneCards、OMIM和TTD数据库筛选AD相关靶点。通过韦恩图分析确定二者的交集靶点,并利用STRING数据库构建蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(PPI)网络。采用R语言clusterProfiler软件包进行基因本体论(GO)功能富集和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)通路富集分析。最后,通过CB-Dock2进行分子对接研究,以验证PET-MPs与核心靶点的结合能力。本研究共预测出PET-MPs的潜在靶点690个,筛选出AD相关靶点4 278个,二者交集靶点为312个;在PPI网络中,进一步筛选出包括Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)、Src Proto-Oncogene (SRC)、SHC Adaptor Protein 1(SHC1)和C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5)在内的144个潜在靶点。基于所筛选的潜在靶点,进行GO富集、KEGG通路分析和分子对接研究。GO富集分析显示,这些潜在靶点主要参与白细胞迁移、细胞趋化性等生物过程;细胞组分集中在囊泡腔、细胞膜外侧、呼吸链复合体和神经元胞体中;分子功能则涉及激酶活性和趋化因子结合。KEGG通路分析表明,这些靶点显著富集于PI3K-Akt和MAPK等关键信号通路。分子对接结果证实,PET-MPs与EGFR、SRC、SHC1、CCL5基因靶点的结合能均低于−5 kcal/mol,具备稳定结合的潜力。本研究为揭示PET微塑料的神经毒性机制提供了新的理论依据,并为AD的环境风险防控及靶向干预策略制定提供了科学参考。

     

    Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs), pervasive environmental contaminants, are suspected of exerting neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning PET-MP-induced CNS injury are yet to be elucidated. This investigation utilized a network toxicology framework to systematically dissect the potential targets and molecular pathways implicated in PET-MP-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD). The structural data for PET-MPs were sourced from PubChem, while their prospective biological targets were predicted using the ChEMBL, SEA, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. Concurrently, AD-associated targets were curated from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Intersection analysis identified common targets, which were then used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network via the STRING database. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, were executed using the "clusterProfiler" package in R. Finally, molecular docking simulations with CB-Dock2 were performed to assess the binding affinity between PET-MPs and key targets. Our analysis identified 690 potential targets of PET-MPs and 4278 targets associated with AD, revealing 312 overlapping targets. Within the PPI network, 144 core targets, including EGFR, SRC, SHC1, and CCL5, were prioritized. GO analysis indicated that these targets are predominantly involved in biological processes such as leukocyte migration and chemotaxis, are localized to cellular components like the vesicle lumen and external plasma membrane, and possess molecular functions related to kinase activity and chemokine binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking results validated a stable binding potential, with binding energies for PET-MPs with EGFR, SRC, SHC1, and CCL5 all being lower than −5 kcal/mol. This research offers novel theoretical insights into the neurotoxicity of PET microplastics and provides a scientific foundation for guiding environmental risk management and formulating targeted therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease.

     

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