Molecular effects on spermatozoa of Mytilus galloprovincialisexposed to hyposaline conditions

Abstract

Salinity represents a critical environmental and an ecological factor in the reproduction of marine species. As global climate changes and anthropogenic factors affect salinity, in this study, we have analyzed the responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis spermatozoa to hyposaline stress. We exposed mussels, in laboratory tanks, for 24 hr at 18°C to control (35.9 psu) and three hyposaline (17.1, 22.6, and 26.2 psu) conditions, and evaluated the expression of sperm hsp70 and protamine‐like proteins genes. Further we analyzed the electrophoretic pattern, the DNA binding and the release from sperm nuclei of protamine‐like proteins. For all experimental approaches used, the results obtained at 17.1 psu condition were very similar to those obtained in the control condition, while alterations were always recorded at 22.6 and 26.2 psu conditions. Particularly, at 22.6 and 26.2 psu, was observed: 42.5‐ and 17.1‐fold increase in hsp70 expression, respectively, and hypoexpression of PL‐II/PLIV protamine‐like proteins genes. Further, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and salt‐induced release of nuclear proteins from sperm nuclei, revealed alterations in the PL proteins/DNA binding, in these two hyposaline conditions. The similarity between the results obtained in control and in the more severe hyposaline condition (17.1 psu) could indicate a phenomenon of fertility preservation strategy due to gamete plasticity.

Phenol-Rich Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) Extracts Protect Human Red Blood Cells from Mercury-Induced Cellular Toxicity

“…Hg poisoning in humans manifests as neurological, kidney, immune, and respiratory disorders, and is especially toxic in pregnant women [26,27,28,29,30]. Evidence from human and animal studies suggests that mercury also affects reproductive function [31], as do other heavy metals, such as copper [32,33,34] and cadmium [35]. Moreover, high levels of Hg may induce or exacerbate cardiovascular diseases [36,37,38].…”

Molecular Alterations in Spermatozoa of a Family Case Living in the Land of Fires—A First Look at Possible Transgenerational Effects of Pollutants

“…We studied, by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), the differences in the ability to bind the DNA of the SNBP samples belonging to the control 1 subjects and of the father and son. In particular, we evaluated the proteins/DNA ratio required for obtain DNA saturation, detectable by the formation of a high-molecular weight DNA band, close to the well, in electrophoretic pattern [ 22 ]. All the analyzed SNBP samples interacted with DNA in the typical “all or nothing” DNA binding mode of SNBP in agreement with data previously reported for SNBP [ 23 , 24 ].…”

Effects of salinity on early activities of artificial hybridization between Crassostrea ariakensis and c . gigas

“…Specifically, the mechanism of gamete tolerance to low salt is complex, which may require further research at the molecular level. For example, previous studies have shown that the expression of hsp70 and protein‐like protein genes in sperm is closely related to its response to hyposaline conditions (Lettieri, Maione, et al, 2019). In addition, external fertilizers like oysters can form their own gamete plasticity to adapt to the specific environmental stress of their habitat (Jensen et al, 2014; Lettieri, Maione, et al, 2019).…”

“…Salinity, as one of the basic indicators of water environment, usually varies with climate changes or human activities, thus affecting the survival of aquatic animals (Kinne, 1964; Lettieri et al, 2019; McNeil & Sasse, 2016). As an important member of aquatic animals, bivalves are affected by salinity in many aspects (Hosoi et al, 2010; Lettieri, Maione, et al, 2019; Madrones‐Ladja, 2002; Taylor et al, 2004; Verween et al, 2007). Oyster is a typical euryhaline bivalve (Xu et al, 2011), and the researches on the effects of salinity on oysters are attracting attention, which mainly focus on gamete quality (Qin et al, 2018), embryonic development (Dos Santos & Nascimento, 1985), fertilization and hatching (Han & Li, 2018), larval growth and survival (Kinne, 1964; Nell & Holliday, 1988), and growth and survival of juvenile (Rybovich, Peyre, Hall, & Peyre, 2016).…”