Journal article
Spatial transcriptomic profiling uncovers the molecular effects of the neurotoxicant polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the brains of adult mice
Molecular psychiatry, 9607835
01/31/2026
DOI: 10.1038/s41380-026-03466-x
PMID: 41620578
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are highly stable synthetic organic compounds that are present in air, water, and soil. PCBs have been identified in post-mortem human brains, indicating a possible link between environmental factors and disease risk. Research has revealed an association between PCB exposure and cognitive decline. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate how PCB mixtures relevant to humans affect brain function and cognition. To investigate the effects of PCBs on memory and transcriptomic profiles, we exposed male C57BL/6 J mice orally to a synthetic PCB mixture daily. After seven weeks of exposure, the adult mice were assessed in a spatial object recognition task (SOR) to evaluate long-term spatial memory. Our findings showed that mice exposed to PCBs exhibited deficits in long-term spatial memory. To examine the molecular effects of PCB on the brain, we used a spatial transcriptomics technique to analyze gene expression changes in five brain regions: the hippocampus, neocortex, thalamus, caudal putamen, and fiber tracts. Our analysis of spatial gene expression revealed the molecular signatures influenced by PCB in these susceptible brain regions of mice. Network analysis suggests that these changes are associated with higher chlorinated PCBs present in the brain. Additionally, we show that PCB exposure disrupts the expression of tight junction proteins, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Thus, our results offer mechanistic insights into how PCB exposure affects brain function and cognition.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Spatial transcriptomic profiling uncovers the molecular effects of the neurotoxicant polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the brains of adult mice
- Creators
- Budhaditya Basu - University of IowaNicole M Breese - University of IowaSal Lombardi - University of IowaHui Wang - University of IowaXueshu Li - University of IowaDestiny Tiburcio - University of MiamiZachary Niemasz - University of IowaStacy E Beyer - University of IowaLaura E Dean - University of IowaRachel F Marek - University of IowaMichal Toborek - University of MiamiHans-Joachim Lehmler - University of IowaSnehajyoti Chatterjee - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Molecular psychiatry, 9607835
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41380-026-03466-x
- PMID
- 41620578
- NLM abbreviation
- Mol Psychiatry
- ISSN
- 1359-4184
- eISSN
- 1476-5578
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Grant note
- R01 ES031098 / NIEHS NIH HHS R01 ES014901 / NIEHS NIH HHS ES036983 / U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 ES034691 / NIEHS NIH HHS
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 01/31/2026
- Academic Unit
- Public Health Administration; Occupational and Environmental Health; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Record Identifier
- 9985139316402771
Metrics
1 Record Views