Frontiers in oncology
Study on the promoting effect of microplastic exposure on prostate cancer migration and invasion based on network toxicology and single-cell sequencing technology
By Jiang H, Bi Y, Dai L and 8 others.
Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major malignant tumor threatening men's global health. The plasticizer acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), widely used as a substitute for phthalates, is increasingly detected in human tissues; however, its role in PCa cell migration and invasion and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.
Methods
This study integrated network toxicology, scRNA-seq, transcriptomic analysis, Mendelian randomization (MR), and machine learning. In vitro, LNCaP cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated after ATBC treatment. ATBC toxicity targets were predicted using public databases. scRNA-seq data were analyzed to identify key cell clusters and candidate genes. Causal relationships between candidate genes and PCa were assessed by MR, and key genes were validated through multiple cohorts and HPA-based immunohistochemistry data. Molecular docking and virtual gene knockout were employed to explore binding affinity and functional impact.