Intersex in scrobicularia plana: transcriptomic analysis reveals novel genes involved in endocrine disruption

Ciocan, Corina M.; Cubero-Leon, Elena; Peck, Mika R.; Langston, William J.; Pope, Nick; Minier, Christophe; Rotchell, Jeanette M.

Abstract

Intersex, the appearance of female characteristics in male gonads, has been identified in a wide range of aquatic species worldwide, yet the underpinning molecular etiology remains uncharacterised. The presence of intersex has been shown to be a widespread phenomenon in bivalve, S. plana, populations from the southwest coast of the U.K., as well as inducible in an experimental exposure regime using endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Herein, we use the suppressive subtractive hybridisation approach to isolate differentially expressed transcripts in S. plana males exhibiting intersex. Transcripts involved in cell signalling, cell cycle control, energy production/metabolism, microtubule assembly, and sperm physiology, are all highlighted as differentially expressed in intersex male clams. These provide both an insight into the molecular mechanisms of action involved in the development of intersex, as well as facilitating potential molecular-level ‘early warning’ biomarkers of the condition.

Citation

Ciocan, C. M., Cubero-Leon, E., Peck, M. R., Langston, W. J., Pope, N., Minier, C., & Rotchell, J. M. (2012). Intersex in scrobicularia plana: transcriptomic analysis reveals novel genes involved in endocrine disruption. Environmental Science and Technology, 46(23), 12936-12942. https://doi.org/10.1021/es302948g

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 30, 2012
• Online Publication Date: Oct 30, 2012
• Publication Date: Dec 4, 2012
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
• Print ISSN: 0013-936X
• Electronic ISSN: 1520-5851
• Publisher: American Chemical Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 23
• Pages: 12936-12942
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/es302948g
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/470160
• Contract Date: Nov 13, 2014