Genetic and proteomic approach to the development of potential biomarkers
Based primarily at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Macquarie University PhD candidates Daisy Taylor and Emma Thompson are developing a potential biomarker to assess estuarine pollution using revolutionary molecular techniques.
With the increase in anthropogenic impacts, particularly the pollution of Australian coastal waterways, it is imperative to develop ways to monitor pollutant affects and ways to detect trace metals at low levels before they become biologically dangerous. Current chemical and ecotoxicology methods provide fine scale mapping of pollutants but give no understanding of the broad effects on biota whereas current molecular techniques often require individual biomarkers for individual pollutants so are time consuming and expensive.
Over the course of these projects Daisy will assess genetic responses and Emma the proteomic signatures in the Sydney Rock oyster exposed, in the first instance, to copper and zinc at low levels in laboratory-based experiments followed by field work to assess the viability of these methods in the natural environment.
Oysters take-up trace metals dissolved in the surrounding water column in addition to fractions adsorbed to suspended particulate matter as it filters both over its gills. Different genetic and proteomic changes occur when the oyster is exposed to even very low levels of trace metals both individually (as shown in figure 1) and synergistically. The techniques provide an early warning system and sensitive monitoring tool which is relevant to the estuarine environment.
It is hoped these methods will improve the management and sustainability of Australia's coastal environment.
