Transcription responses in a soft coral (Scleronephthya gracillimum) to thermal and organic pollutants stressors

Abstract

The large number of differentially expressed genes responsive to stressful conditions in a soft coral, Scleronephthya gracillimum was isolated by differential display (DD-) PCR. The soft coral colonies were exposed to thermal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to simulate global warming and organic chemicals polluted situation. Among the 25 kinds of candidate genes identified from thermal stress exposed group, the expression level was increased in 18 genes and decreased in 7 genes. In the PAHs exposed group, 38 kinds of differentially expressed genes were isolated with 21 up- and 17 down-regulated genes. Both thermal and PAHs responsive genes are associated with variety spectrum of biological functions. The isolated and identified differentially expressed genes have a great potential to identify environmental stressors in global environmental changes and could be used as molecular biomarkers for biological responses against environmental changes.