Toxaphene induced transcripts level changes in Hydra

Abstract

The differential gene expression of four antioxidant enzyme genes, a detoxification enzyme gene, an ubiquitin gene, and finally two hydra peptide genes was investigated by real-time quantitative PCR from a cnidarian model Hydra magnipapillata after exposure to two concentrations (30 and 300 μg/L) of Toxaphene for 24 h. The transcript level of all tested target genes including Hym-CAT, Hym-G6PD, Hym-GPx, Hym-SOD, Hym-CYP1A, Hym-UB, and Hym-301, increased after exposure to Toxaphene in both concentrations except Hym-355. In the case of Hym-355, no significant change was observed after exposed at 30 μg/L of Toxaphene. The mRNA expressions of Hym-GPx, Hym-SOD, Hym-CYP1A, and Hym-UB were increased in a dose-dependent manner during exposed to Toxaphene. The results suggested that the Toxaphene exposure induce oxidative stress to biological organisms, and affect on tentacle formation and nerve cell differentiation in hydra as well. The transcriptional changes in these genes could be good biomarkers for the degree of stress in H. magnipapillata, and be used as critical biomarkers for environmental quality assessment.