Transcriptional response of springtail (Folsomia candida) exposed to decabromodiphenyl ether-contaminated soil

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) is a widely used brominated flame retardant that has become a common soil contaminant of concern due to its persistence and toxicity. However, little is known about molecular-level effects of BDE209 on soil invertebrates. Here, we detected changes in gene transcription of the soil springtail, Folsomia candida, exposed to BDE209 (0.81 mg/kg) in soil for 2, 7 and 14 days. We identified 16 and 771 significantly differentially expressed genes after 2 and 7 days of exposure respectively, and no significantly regulated genes were shared among the two time points. No genes were affected after 14 days of exposure. According to the annotation of the significantly differently expressed genes at 2 and 7 day exposure, we found that BDE209 affected the transcription of genes involved in moulting, neural signal transmission and detoxification. Our results suggested that BDE209 could disrupt moulting of F. candida via the ecdysteroid pathway, and cause neurotoxicity through disrupting some neurotransmitter signalling pathways. This study provided insights into the toxic mechanism of BDE209 on F. candida.