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SOD and CAT cDNA cloning, and expression pattern of detoxification genes in the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus transplanted into the Moselle river

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Abstract

The cDNA sequences encoding manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn–SOD) and catalase (CAT) were isolated in the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using degenerate primers. Quantitative real-time PCR approach was used to evaluate the mRNA expression patterns of SOD, CAT, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), pi class glutathione S-transferase (pi-GST) and metallothionein (MT), in the digestive gland of Unio tumidus transplanted from a control site to four stations in the Moselle River (M1–M4), for periods of 8 and 21 days. These sites were chosen upstream and downstream of populated areas. Chemical analysis performed on sediments from the Moselle river sites did not show high levels of pollutants. Decrease of SOD, CAT, Se-GPx and MT mRNA levels were observed at M3 site after a 21-day exposure compared to control site. These results suggest inefficiency of antioxidant systems affected by cytotoxic mechanisms and confirm an environmental perturbation. Organisms transplanted at M4 site showed a strong increase of biomarkers transcription levels after 21 days of exposure. These inductions could correspond to an adaptive response to an altered environment. Our results showed that biological approaches using multibiomarkers appear as essential tools complementary to measurement of contaminants, to detect environmental degradations.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the CPER of the Region Lorraine and by the National Program in Ecotoxicology (PNETOX) of the French Ministry of the Environment. Aurélie Bigot was the recipient of a Ph.D. fellowship from the Region Lorraine.

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  1. Lab. L.I.E.B.E, CNRS UMR 7146, Université de Metz, Rue Delestraint, 57070, Metz, France

    Aurélie Bigot, Paule Vasseur & François Rodius

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  1. Aurélie Bigot
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  2. Paule Vasseur
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  3. François Rodius
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Correspondence to François Rodius.

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Bigot, A., Vasseur, P. & Rodius, F. SOD and CAT cDNA cloning, and expression pattern of detoxification genes in the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus transplanted into the Moselle river. Ecotoxicology 19, 369–376 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-009-0419-x

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