Transcriptomic signature in soft coral exposed to abiotic stresses

Abstract

The isolation of genes responsive to toxic chemical stress in soft coral (Scleronephthya gracillimum) was described. Soft coral colonies were exposed to persistent organic pollutant, benzo(a) pyrene. Gene candidates whose transcript levels changed in response to chemical stress were identified by cDNA library construction. Twenty-five candidate genes were identified from benzo[a]pyrene stress exposed group, which are associated with cell cycle, cell signaling, transcription, translation, protein metabolism, and other cellular functions. The expected function of each gene was described. The isolated and identified differentially expressed genes have a potential to identify environmental stressors in environmental changes and could act as molecular biomarkers for biological responses against environmental changes.els changed in response to chemical stress were identified by cDNA library construction. Twenty-five candidate genes were identified from benzo[a]pyrene stress exposed group, which are associated with cell cycle, cell signaling, transcription, translation, protein metabolism, and other cellular functions. The expected function of each gene was described. The isolated and identified differentially expressed genes have a potential to identify environmental stressors in environmental changes and could act as molecular biomarkers for biological responses against environmental changes.