Changes in protein expression profiles in bivalve molluscs (Chamaelea gallina) exposed to four model environmental pollutants

Abstract

Proteomics has been used in the clam Chamaelea gallina as a preliminary screening of changes in protein expression caused by pollutants, potentially useful as new biomarkers. Clams were exposed in water for seven days to four model contaminants, Aroclor 1254, copper(II), tributyltin (TBT), and arsenic(III), and cytosolic fractions were initially analyzed by two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis in 7 cm IPG strips (pH 4-7). On average, about 1000 spots were resolved and altered expression was qualitatively detected in 9-26 spots per treatment. Aroclor 1254, Cu(II) and As(III) had a mainly upregulating effect, in contrast to TBT. Altered protein expression was confirmed in 18 cm gels (at narrow pH ranges). The 15 spots more drastically altered were excised and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS), and four proteins were identified. Aroclor 1254 and Cu(II) upregulated putative isoforms of tropomyosin and light chain of myosin. Actin was downregulated by Aroclor and Cu(II) but upregulated by TBT and As(III), while the opposite behavior was shown by a truncated actin form, homologous to the Drosophila act87E gene product. The exclusive identification of cytoskeletal proteins could reflect their relative abundance, their prevalence in databases in molluscs, or their role as major targets of pollutant-related oxidative stress.

Identification of Proteomic Signatures of Exposure to Marine Pollutants in Mussels (Mytilus edulis)

“…In several laboratory experiments, the utility of PES has been reported. This methodology has been explored in mussels exposed to copper, Aroclor, and salinity stress (12,13); in rainbow trout treated with diazinon, nonylphenol, propetamphos, and sewage treatment plant effluents (14); and in clams exposed to model pollutants (15). More recently, the use of SELDI-TOF has been introduced in the first field experiment to establish PES in mussels from areas contaminated with heavy metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (16).…”

Review of recent proteomic applications in aquatic toxicology

“…Two-dimensional electrophoresis has also been implemented to study glutathione affinity-selected proteins of the clam Tapes semidescussatus [63]. Finally, proteomics was used to screen changes in protein expression of the clam Chamaelea gallina exposed to arochlor 1254, Cu(II), tributyltin, and arsenic (III) [64].…”

New Methodologies for Assessing the Presence and Ecological Effects of Pesticides in Doñana National Park (SW Spain)

“…Proteomics was used in C. gallina clams as a preliminary screening of changes in protein expression caused by pollutants, potentially useful as new biomarkers (Rodríguez-Ortega et al, 2003). Clams were exposed for seven days to four model contaminants, Aroclor 1254, copper (II), tributyltin (TBT), and arsenic (III), and cytosolic fractions were initially analyzed by 2-DE (7 cm, pH 4-7).…”