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

To assess the effects of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) on gene transcription of Folsomia candida and explore the mechanisms of toxicity, we detected changes in gene transcription of F. 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. Our results suggeted that BDE209 affected the transcription of genes involved in moulting, neural signal transmission and detoxification. Thirty adult springtails (23-day old) were exposed to BDE209-polluted soil or solvent control soil in 100 mL glass beakers for 2, 7 or 14 days.