Browsing by Author "Figueira, Etelvina"
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- Impacts of the combined exposure to seawater acidification and arsenic on the proteome of Crassostrea angulata and Crassostrea gigasPublication . Moreira, Anthony; Figueira, Etelvina; Mestre, Nélia; Schrama, Denise; Soares, Amadeu M.V.M.; Freitas, Rosa; Bebianno, MariaProteomic analysis was performed to compare the effects of Arsenic (As), seawater acidification (Low pH) and the combination of both stressors (Low pH + As) on Crassostrea angulata and Crassostrea gigas juveniles in the context of global environmental change. This study aimed to elucidate if two closely related Crassostrea species respond similarly to these environmental stressors, considering both single and combined exposures, to infer if the simultaneous exposure to both stressors induced a differentiated response. Identification of the most important differentially expressed proteins between conditions revealed marked differences in the response of each species towards single and combined exposures, evidencing species-related differences towards each experimental condition. Moreover, protein alterations observed in the combined exposure (Low pH + As) were substantially different from those observed in single exposures. Identified proteins and their putative biological functions revealed an array of modes of action in each condition. Among the most important, those involved in cellular structure (Actin, Atlastin, Severin, Gelsolin, Coronin) and extracellular matrix modulation (Ependymin, Tight junction ZO-1, Neprilysin) were strongly regulated, although in different exposure conditions and species. Data also revealed differences regarding metabolic modulation capacity (ATP β, Enolase, Aconitate hydratase) and oxidative stress response (Aldehyde dehydrogenase, Lactoylglutathione, Retinal dehydrogenase) of each species, which also depended on single or combined exposures, illustrating a different response capacity of both oyster species to the presence of multiple stressors. Interestingly, alterations of piRNA abundance in C. angulata suggested genome reconfiguration in response to multiple stressors, likely an important mode of action related to adaptive evolution mechanisms previously unknown to oyster species, which requires further investigation. The present findings provide a deeper insight into the complexity of C. angulata and C. gigas responses to environmental stress at the proteome level, evidencing different capacities to endure abiotic changes, with relevance regarding the ecophysiological fitness of each species and competitive advantages in a changing environment.
- Seasonal variation of transcriptomic and biochemical parameters of Donax trunculus related to its infection by Bacciger bacciger (trematode parasite)Publication . Magalhaes, Luisa; de Montaudouin, Xavier; Correia, Simao; Daffe, Guillemine; Gonzalez, Patrice; Figueira, Etelvina; Gonçalves, Jorge Manuel Santos; Freitas, RosaThe wedge clam (Donax trunculus) is widely distributed along exposed Atlantic coasts, from France to Senegal. This species has high commercial importance, with the mean capture production on the last ten years of approx. 850 tonnes (50% represented by Portugal captures). D. trunculus populations are modulated by several drivers such as tidal range, temperature, sediment grain size, fishing pressure, predation and parasitism. Regarding parasitism, D. trunculus is the first intermediate host of Bacciger bacciger (trematode parasite) where the sporocysts develop. The sporocyst is the most damaging stage, reported as being responsible for bivalve castration and flesh mass depletion. In order to test the hypothesis that B. bacciger infection modified wedge clam health status, including its biochemical performance and gene expression, clams were sampled every other month during one year in the Faro beach (south coast of Portugal). The results obtained revealed that B. bacciger total prevalence ranged between 0 and 33% in May and July, respectively. Overall, transcriptomic and biochemical results showed that B. bacciger induced in D. trunculus defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and increased the host metabolism and energy demand, especially in spawning and spent periods. The present work concluded that the markers used can provide additional and ecologically relevant information not only about the environmental conditions that animals experience but also the invasion effects of pathogens. These findings can contribute to predicting organism chance of reproduction and survival in their natural context, which can be applied in bivalve conservation and disease episodes management.