12 research outputs found
Gene Expression Rhythms in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lam.) across an Annual Cycle
Seasonal environmental changes may affect the physiology of Mytilus
galloprovincialis (Lam.), an intertidal filter-feeder bivalve
occurring commonly in Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal areas. We investigated
seasonal variations in relative transcript abundance of the digestive gland and
the mantle (gonads) of males and females. To identify gene expression trends
– in terms of relative mRNA abundance- we used a medium-density cDNA
microarray (1.7 K probes) in dual-color competitive hybridization analyses.
Hierarchical clustering of digestive gland microarray data showed two main
branches, distinguishing profiles associated with the “hot” months
(May–August) from the other months. Genes involved in chitin metabolism,
associated with mussel nutrition and digestion showed higher mRNA levels during
summer. Moreover, we found different gene transcriptomic patterns in the
digestive glands of males when compared to females, during the four stages of
mussel gonadal development. Microarray data from gonadal transcripts also
displayed clear patterns during the different developmental phases respect to
the resting period (stage I) with peak relative mRNA abundance at the ripe phase
(stage III) for both sexes. These data showed a clear temporal pattern in
transcriptomic profiles of mussels sampled over an annual cycle. Physiological
response to thermal variation, food availability, and reproductive status across
months may contribute to variation in relative mRNA abundance