Transcriptome aberration associated with altered locomotor behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio) caused by Waterborne Benzo[a]pyrene

Waterborne Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) pollution is a global threat to aquatic organisms. The exposure to waterborne B[a]P can disrupt the normal locomotor behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio), however, how it affect the locomotor behavior of adult zebrafish remains unclear. Herein, B[a]P at two concentrations (0.8 μg/L and 2.0 μg/L) were selected to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the affected locomotor behavior of zebrafish by B[a]P based on transcriptome profiling. Adverse effects of B[a]P exposure affecting locomotor behavior in zebrafish were studied by RNA sequencing, and the locomotion phenotype was acquired. The gene enrichment results showed that the differentially highly expressed genes (atp2a1, cdh2, aurka, fxyd1, clstn1, apoc1, mt-co1, tnnt3b, and fads2) of zebrafish are mainly enriched in adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes (dre04261) and locomotory behavior (GO:0007626). The movement trajectory plots showed an increase in the locomotor distance and velocity of zebrafish in the 0.8 μg/L group and the opposite in the 2.0 μg/L group. The results showed that B[a]P affects the variety of genes in zebrafish, including motor nerves, muscles, and energy supply, and ultimately leads to altered locomotor behavior. [Display omitted] Waterborne B[a]P caused transcriptome aberration associated with altered locomotor behavior of Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Changes were involved in neurodevelopment and synaptic transmission, muscle fiber formation, muscle contraction, motor cell energy supply, and oxidative stress effects. •Waterborne B[a]P caused abnormal behavior of zebrafish.•LCG (0.8 μg/L) caused over-activity of zebrafish at the molecular level.•LCG and HCG (2.0 μg/L) have opposite effects on zebrafish locomotion activity.•B[a]P toxicity is related to nerve, muscle and energy supply dysregulation.