Scientists Discover That Toxic Compounds in Everyday Products Are Disrupting Vital Human Proteins

UTEP researchers found that nanoplastics and PFAS chemicals significantly alter proteins essential for human development, like those in breast milk and myoglobin, potentially leading to developmental defects and other health issues. These findings underscore the urgent need for safer material alternatives and inform future environmental policies.

UTEP study reveals that both nanoplastics and forever chemicals modify crucial proteins in breast milk and infant formulas.

Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have achieved important advancements in the study of nanoplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as forever chemicals. Their research demonstrates how these compounds can modify the structure and function of biomolecules. Specifically, the team found that these substances can change proteins present in human breast milk and infant formulas, which could potentially lead to developmental problems later on.

Nanoplastics and forever chemicals are manmade compounds present throughout the environment; a series of recent studies have linked them to numerous negative health outcomes. While nanoplastics originate primarily as a result of the degradation of larger plastic materials, like water bottles and food packaging, forever chemicals are found in various products like cookware and clothing.

The UTEP research team focused on the compounds’ impact on three proteins critical to human development and function: beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and myoglobin. Their findings, which provide an atomic-level insight into the detrimental effects of nanoplastics and PFAS on human health, are described in two recent articles in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., professor and chief of the Division of Biochemistry in UTEP’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso

“By understanding the molecular mechanisms of how nanoplastics and forever chemicals disrupt cellular functions, scientists can develop safer alternatives to these materials,” said Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., a professor, fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and chief of the Division of Biochemistry in UTEP’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who oversaw the two studies. “The insights gained from this research have far-reaching implications.”

Narayan said that, most importantly, their research revealed that nanoplastics and PFAS completely “dissolved” a region of proteins known as the alpha helix, converting them into structures called beta sheets.

“We weren’t expecting them all to have this similar impact on the alpha helix,” Narayan said. “It was a complete coincidence.” The team observed that this alteration also occurs in amyloid proteins, which can cause neurodegeneration and neurotoxic outcomes if the synthetic chemicals reach the brain.

Additional key findings of the studies are described below.

Milk Protein: Beta-Lactoglobulin (BLG)

BLG is a protein found in the milk of sheep and cows and is commonly used as an ingredient in infant formula. The protein binds to retinol (vitamin A) and fatty acids and is crucial for vision and brain development in infants.

The research team discovered that the binding efficiency of BLG to retinol and fatty acids decreases upon exposure to nanoplastics and PFAS. This decrease, modeled by Lela Vukovic, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, can lead to significant developmental issues in neonatal infants, the team said.

Additionally, for the first time ever, the team observed that PFAS binds to the milk protein, turning it into a carrier for these compounds.

The research team includes (top row, L-R): Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., professor and chief of the Division of Biochemistry in UTEP’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Randhal Ramirez Orozco, doctoral student of computational science; Sophia Borrego, sophomore biomedical sciences major; Samantha Arce, sophomore biomedical sciences major; Daisy Wilson, doctoral student of environmental science and engineering; (bottom row, L-R) Ummy Habiba Sweety, doctoral student of environmental science and engineering; and Jyotish Kumar, doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Lela Vukovic, Ph.D. (not pictured), associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, was also involved in the research. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso

Human Breast Milk: Alpha-Lactalbumin

Alpha-lactalbumin is found in human breast milk, participates in lactose synthesis, and is ingested by infants to help meet nutritional needs. UTEP researchers found that nanoplastics and PFAS corrupt the structure of alpha-lactalbumin protein, thereby potentially compromising lactose formation. The team said the disruption can lead to downstream developmental defects in neonatal infants, such as compromised immunity and reduced mineral absorption.

Oxygen Storage: Myoglobin

Myoglobin, found in the blood and muscle tissue of most mammals, is crucial for storing oxygen. The UTEP research team found that nanoplastics and PFAS compromise the functionality of the myoglobin protein, disrupting its ability to store oxygen. This disruption could lead to health issues such as breathlessness and anemia.

Additional experiments by the team demonstrated that exposure to nanoplastics impairs locomotion in worms, with effects comparable to paraquat — an herbicide that has been tied to causing Parkinson’s disease.

“This work has the potential to significantly impact public health and environmental policies, highlighting the vital role of scientific research in addressing global challenges,” said Robert Kirken, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science. “I am proud of the groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Narayan, Dr. Vukovic, and their teams. Their innovative approach to understanding how these manmade materials disrupt biomolecular functions is a prime example of the transformative work UTEP researchers do on a regular basis.”

Narayan and his research team plan to continue their studies and investigate the effects of other plastics and PFAS compounds.

References: “An Atomic and Molecular Insight into How PFOA Reduces α-Helicity, Compromises Substrate Binding, and Creates Binding Pockets in a Model Globular Protein” by Anju Yadav, Lela Vuković and Mahesh Narayan, 24 April 2024, Journal of the American Chemical Society.
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02934

“Interfacial Interactions between Nanoplastics and Biological Systems: toward an Atomic and Molecular Understanding of Plastics-Driven Biological Dyshomeostasis” by Afroz Karim, Anju Yadav, Ummy Habiba Sweety, Jyotish Kumar, Sofia A. Delgado, Jose A. Hernandez, Jason C. White, Lela Vukovic and Mahesh Narayan, 9 May 2024, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03008