Alterations in differentially expressed genes by exposure to a mixture of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the liver of Oryzias latipes

The effects of a mixture of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs) on transcriptional responses in the liver of medaka, Oryzias latipes, were investigated by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Five DEGs were identified as cytochrome P450 2P1 (CYP450 2P1), malate dehydrogenase, anti-thrombin III, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4, and transferrin. These DEGs were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Only CYP450 2P1 mRNA was found to be upregulated by exposure to cPAHs mixture, suggesting that CYP450 2P1 mRNA can be a potential marker for prediction of the biological effects of a mixture of cPAHs on fish.

► The effects of a mixture of cPAHs on transcriptional responses were evaluated in the liver of medaka.
► Among 5 DEGs, CYP450 2P1 mRNA was upregulated by exposure to cPAHs mixture.
► CYP450 2P1 mRNA can be considered a potential marker for the biological effects of cPAH mixture on fish.