Development and validation of molecular biomarkers for the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus)

• Published in: New Zealand journal of marine and freshwater research 2024-07, Vol.58 (3), p.364-383
• Main Authors: Baettig, Camille G., Barrick, Andrew, Zirngibl, Martin, Lear, Gavin, Smith, Kirsty F., Northcott, Grant L., Tremblay, Louis A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural ecosystems; Anthropogenic factors; benzo[α]pyrene; Bioindicators; Biological effects; Biological stress; Biomarkers; Biomonitoring; Coastal ecosystems; copper; Disruption; DNA repair; Ecosystems; Ecotoxicology; Endocrine disruptors; Environmental assessment; Environmental health; Environmental impact; Environmental risk; Gene expression; Genes; Genotoxicity; Human influences; Indicator species; Indigenous species; Industrial areas; Marine ecosystems; Membranes; Mollusks; Native organisms; New Zealand; Nucleotide sequence; Oxidative stress; PCR; Perna canaliculus; Polymerase chain reaction; Reverse transcription; Risk assessment; RT-qPCR; Urban agriculture
• ISSN: 0028-8330; 1175-8805
• DOI: 10.1080/00288330.2023.2228223

Globally, there is a move towards using local, native species for ecotoxicological risk assessments. Anthropogenic stressors from urban, agricultural, and industrial activities can impact the health of receiving ecosystems. Biomarkers can provide valuable insights as early warning signals of the potential environmental impacts of stressors. The aim of this study was to develop biomarkers in the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), a potential bioindicator of environmental health for coastal marine ecosystems in New Zealand. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays targeting the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, xenobiotic transfer, membrane transportation, cellular and DNA response/repair, and endocrine disruption were developed and validated for P. canaliculus. We found significant modulation of genes associated with oxidative stress, xenobiotic transfer, membrane transport, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity in P. canaliculus following 48-hour exposures to copper and benzo[α]pyrene. These results demonstrate the potential of P. canaliculus as a bioindicator species for environmental risk assessment. The gene expression assays showed potential as early indicators of exposure to the chemicals tested but require additional validation to assess their ability to predict effects at higher levels of biological organisation.