Biology subjects

Santos, E. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Santos, E. M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Developmental priming increases copper-tolerance in a model fish species via epigenetic-and microbiome-mediated mechanisms

Pollution is a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems globally and, in order to survive, natural populations depend upon their ability to rapidly develop tolerance to chemical stressors. We examined whether early-life priming enhances life-long copper-tolerance in a model fish species via developmental plasticity. Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) embryos were pre-exposed to a low concentration of copper (10 {micro}g/L) during early development, reared in clean water for nine months alongside a control group, and then exposed to copper (0,10 and 20 {micro}g/L) for 96 h as adults. Priming markedly reduced evidence of copper-toxicity in adult gills at the transcriptional level (including reduced cellular stress response (CSR) and disruption of ion-homeostasis) and increased inducibility of the metal-binding protein, metallothionein. In parallel, we identified epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms likely contributing to this tolerance. Pre-exposure induced persistent DNA methylation changes, consistent with priming of CSR and ion-homeostasis pathways. We identified enhanced copper-tolerance in the gill microbiota of primed fish that likely also contributed to host tolerance. These findings provide critical evidence for developmental plasticity induced by chemical stressors in animals, highlight the importance of integrated microbiome and epigenetic responses, and enhance our understanding of how natural populations cope with pollution in their environment.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2025

A high-quality reference genome and tissue expression atlas for the European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

The European lobster (Homarus gammarus) and its sister species, the American lobster (Homarus americanus), are notable for their remarkable immunity and longevity, with lifespans reaching up to 80 years in the wild. A reference genome is available for the American lobster, but not yet for the European lobster, despite its ecological significance, and importance to fisheries and aquaculture. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the European lobster. The assembly spans 1.76 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 1.82 Mb and a BUSCO completeness of 97.6%. As observed in the American lobster, the total assembly span is substantially smaller than genome size estimates derived from flow cytometry, performed using independently sampled European lobsters (3.18 - 3.42 Gb). This discrepancy may reflect the highly repetitive nature of decapod genomes, with 51.8% of the H. gammarus assembly consisting of repetitive elements. Leveraging a comprehensive multi-tissue RNA-seq dataset, we annotated 23,223 protein-coding genes and characterised gene expression across ten tissues to generate a tissue-level gene expression atlas, available at www.LobsterGeneX.com. Using single-copy orthologs, we estimated a divergence time of 26 Mya (95% HPD 22 - 30 Mya) between H. gammarus and H. americanus, corresponding to the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. We also identified Homarus-specific gene duplications with roles in immunity and longevity, including telomere maintenance. The reported genomic resources can facilitate future research into lobster biology, support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management practices, and enable investigations of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying basic biological processes, notably immunity and longevity in Homarid lobsters. Significance StatementThe European lobster (Homarus gammarus) and the American lobster (Homarus americanus) are large benthic decapod crustaceans with significant seafood value, known for their remarkable longevity, with typical lifespans of 30-55 years in the wild and maximum lifespans of up to 80 years. Lobsters grow, reproduce and regenerate limbs throughout their life, and there are very few reports of tumours or age-related diseases. We generated and herein share a high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the European lobster alongside a tissue expression atlas, LobsterGeneX, which enables the visualisation of gene expression profiles across ten tissue types. Based on the genetic information generated, we also provide an estimated time for the divergence between H. gammarus and H. americanus (26 Mya) and identify duplication events for genes related to immunity and longevity. The European lobster reference genome will facilitate further research for investigations into local adaptation in lobster populations, genomic mixing in Homarid hybrids, and identification of genes of interest in aquaculture, ageing, regeneration, disease and cancer resistance.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

Combining population genomics and transcriptomics to identify signatures of metal tolerance in brown trout inhabiting metal-polluted rivers

Industrial pollution is a major driver of ecosystem degradation, but it can also act as a driver of contemporary evolution. As a result of intense mining activity during the Industrial Revolution, several rivers across the southwest of England are polluted with high concentrations of metals. Despite the documented negative impacts of ongoing metal pollution, brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) survive and thrive in many of these metal-impacted rivers. We used population genomics, transcriptomics, and metal burdens to investigate the genomic and transcriptomic signatures of potential metal tolerance. RADseq analysis of six populations (originating from three metal-impacted and three control rivers) revealed strong genetic substructuring between impacted and control populations. We identified selection signatures at 122 loci, including genes related to metal homeostasis and oxidative stress. Trout sampled from metal-impacted rivers exhibited significantly higher tissue concentrations of cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc, which remained elevated after 11 days in metal-free water. After depuration, we used RNAseq to quantify gene expression differences between metal-impacted and control trout, identifying 2,042 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gill, and 311 DEGs in the liver. Transcriptomic signatures in the gill were enriched for genes involved in ion transport processes, metal homeostasis, oxidative stress, hypoxia and response to xenobiotics. Our findings reveal shared genomic and transcriptomic pathways involved in detoxification, oxidative stress responses, and ion regulation. Overall, our results demonstrate the diverse effects of metal pollution in shaping both neutral and adaptive genetic variation, whilst also highlighting the potential role of constitutive gene expression in promoting metal tolerance.

evolutionary biology↗