Gene expression changes in plants and microorganisms exposed to nanomaterials

• The article reviews molecular responses in nanoparticle-exposed plants and bacteria.
• Gene expression analysis allows understanding toxicity mechanisms of nanomaterials.
• In bacteria, nanoparticles affect genes involved in oxidative and metal stress.
• In plants, nanoparticles affect genes involved in response to biotic/abiotic stimuli.

Unique properties of nanomaterials allow them to interact unexpectedly with biological systems. Analysis of the transcriptional response (change in gene expression) in exposed organisms constitutes a powerful approach for understanding the mechanisms of toxicity and molecular responses in cells exposed to nanomaterials. Transcriptional analyses have been conducted to study the effects of nanomaterials on humans, mammalian models, and other organisms important for the ecosystem. The present article reviews recent gene expression studies conducted to understand the effects of nanomaterials on plants and bacteria. As plants and bacteria are essential components of the food chain and/or play a central role in nutrient cycling and biodegradation, their interactions with nanomaterials have important implications for the environment and public health.

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