Influence of temperature, salinity and E. coli tissue content on immune gene expression in mussel: results from a 2005-2008 survey

Dev Comp Immunol. 2009 Sep;33(9):974-9. doi: 10.1016/j.dci.2009.04.002. Epub 2009 May 13.

Abstract

Several bivalves, including mussels, suffered from mortalities particularly in summer. To look for the possible effect of environmental parameters on immune capacities, Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected monthly from August 2005 to July 2008 from the Palavas Laguna, French Mediterranean coast. Q-PCR was used to quantify the expression of three antimicrobial peptide genes (defensin, mytilin B and myticin B), in addition to lysozyme and HSP70. House keeping gene was 28S rRNA. Defensin, myticin B and lysozyme appeared more expressed in spring-summer than in winter. In contrast, HSP70 expression was higher in winter. Statistical studies using principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple regression models revealed positive influence of temperature on 28S rRNA, defensin, myticin B and lysozyme expressions, but not on mytilin B and HSP70. The positive influence was significant for defensin and lysozyme expression, but relationships cannot be quantified. Similarly, salinity appeared to influence defensin expression, but this relationship cannot be quantified neither. E. coli tissue content appeared without influence. Consequently, there was no clear relationship between environmental parameters and immune-related gene expressions, demonstrating anti-infectious capabilities cannot be evaluated using only the expression of such genes as markers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / genetics*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / immunology
  • Bivalvia / genetics
  • Bivalvia / immunology*
  • Bivalvia / microbiology
  • Blood Proteins / genetics*
  • Blood Proteins / immunology
  • Defensins / genetics*
  • Defensins / immunology
  • Escherichia coli
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism
  • Immunity / genetics*
  • Muramidase / metabolism
  • Regression Analysis
  • Salinity
  • Seasons
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Blood Proteins
  • Defensins
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • myticin
  • mytilin
  • Muramidase