Transcriptomic alterations of thallium-exposed zebrafish embryos

Thallium (Tl) is a trace metal element used in the electronics, semiconductor and electro-optical industries. With the development of high-tech industries, thallium severely pollutes the aquatic environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiotoxicity and developmental toxicity of Tl by using vertebrate model zebrafish embryos. RNA-seq was performed on wild type zebrafish embryos exposed to 0, 200, and 800 ppb Tl from 6 to 48 hpf. The transcriptomic profile revealed molecular understanding regarding the cardiovascular and developmental toxicity of Tl, providing valuable information for risk assessment of the emerging contaminant thallium. RNA-seq analysis was performed for Tl-exposed samples. Wild type zebrafish embryos were treated with Tl 0 ppb, 200 ppb, and 800 ppb from 6 hpf to 48 hpf.