Salinity represents a critical environmental and an ecological factor in the reproductionof marine species. As global climate changes and anthropogenic factors affect salinity,in this study, we have analyzed the responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis spermatozoa tohyposaline 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 theexpression of sperm hsp70 and protamine‐like proteins genes. Further we analyzed theelectrophoretic pattern, the DNA binding and the release from sperm nuclei ofprotamine‐like proteins. For all experimental approaches used, the results obtained at17.1 psu condition were very similar to those obtained in the control condition, whilealterations were always recorded at 22.6 and 26.2 psu conditions. Particularly, at 22.6and 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 fromsperm nuclei, revealed alterations in the PL proteins/DNA binding, in these twohyposaline conditions. The similarity between the results obtained in control and in themore severe hyposaline condition (17.1 psu) could indicate a phenomenon of fertilitypreservation strategy due to gamete plasticity.
Molecular effects on spermatozoa of Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to hyposaline conditions
Lettieri, Gennaro;
2019-01-01
Abstract
Salinity represents a critical environmental and an ecological factor in the reproductionof marine species. As global climate changes and anthropogenic factors affect salinity,in this study, we have analyzed the responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis spermatozoa tohyposaline 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 theexpression of sperm hsp70 and protamine‐like proteins genes. Further we analyzed theelectrophoretic pattern, the DNA binding and the release from sperm nuclei ofprotamine‐like proteins. For all experimental approaches used, the results obtained at17.1 psu condition were very similar to those obtained in the control condition, whilealterations were always recorded at 22.6 and 26.2 psu conditions. Particularly, at 22.6and 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 fromsperm nuclei, revealed alterations in the PL proteins/DNA binding, in these twohyposaline conditions. The similarity between the results obtained in control and in themore severe hyposaline condition (17.1 psu) could indicate a phenomenon of fertilitypreservation strategy due to gamete plasticity.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
