Perchlorate detection <i>via</i> an invertebrate biosensor.

The excessive perchlorate utilization as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and blasting agents had led to the contamination of surface and ground waters. This chemical is known to compete with iodine for binding to the thyroid membrane receptors potentially causing hypothyroidism and fetal retardation in pregnant women. Nevertheless, to date, its biological effects are not completely understood. We have investigated the molecular mechanisms responsive to perchlorate in the nematode C. elegans to nominate a candidate gene for further peruse in the development of a C.elegans perchlorate biosensor. Perchlorate (1 mg/mL) affected the transcriptional response of Regulation of developmental process, growth, defense mechanisms and stress response, among other biological processes.高氯酸盐（perchlorate）作为氧化剂过量应用于火箭推进剂与爆破制剂中，已造成地表水与地下水污染。该物质可与碘竞争结合甲状腺膜受体，潜在引发孕妇甲状腺功能减退与胎儿发育迟缓。然而截至目前，其生物学效应尚未完全阐明。本研究以秀丽隐杆线虫（C. elegans）为研究模型，解析其响应高氯酸盐的分子机制，以期筛选出候选基因，用于后续开展秀丽隐杆线虫源高氯酸盐生物传感器（biosensor）的开发。实验结果表明，浓度为1 mg/mL的高氯酸盐可影响发育过程调控、生长、防御机制及应激反应等多种生物学过程的转录应答。