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2E - Genomics, Proteonomics, Metabolomics (TUP/117) Differential gene expression analysis in metal-polluted terrestrial ecosystems. Caturla Goņi, Mercč1, De Coen, A1, Scheirs, J1, Dauwe, T1, Mubiana Kayawe, V1, Eens, M1, Verhagen, R1, Blust, R1, De Coen, W1, 1 Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium ABSTRACT- Metals are pollutants of primary concern due to their continuous release into the environment and because of their toxic effects displaying various modes of action. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differential toxicant-induced changes in gene expression in wood mouse (Apodemus Sylvaticus) and great tits (Parus Major) living in areas with a varrying degree of heavy metal pollution. Soil samples and biota were analysed for their metal content using ICP-MS. In order to isolate differentially expressed genes, the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique was used. Two subtracted cDNA libraries were obtained, one enriched in differentially expressed cDNAs coming from highly contaminated mouse lungs and another one enriched in differentially expressed cDNAs coming from highly contaminated bird lungs. These cDNA inserts were sequenced and PCR amplified to generate arrays (nylon membrane filters) for differential hybridization analysis with subtracted and total cDNA probes. Two sets (one for mice and one for bird) of these cDNA libraries were obtained and characterised. This toxicogenomic information provided insight into the toxicological insults induced in the exposed bird and mice populations. The results of the present study show that differential gene expression analysis can become a useful tool to assess the organism-specific and/or exposure-route specific impact on terrestrial ecosystems. Key words: heavy metals, gene expression, environment, exposure |
