Transcriptomics and stress indices reveal Tetraglyme-mediated adverse effects in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The present study provides the first integrated assessment of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (Tetraglyme) on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis , by combining cellular, oxidative, and genotoxic stress indices along with transcriptomic profiling. Our findings represent the first molecular and physiological evidence of Tetraglyme-induced toxicity in a marine invertebrate. Mussels were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Tetraglyme (1–1000 μg L −1 ) for four days (Tetra-mussels) and showed increased hemocyte lysosomal membrane destabilization (in terms of lower neutral red retention time/NRRT values), higher frequencies of nuclear abnormalities (micronuclei and total nuclear abnormalities), and elevated oxidative-stress indices (NO 2 - , O 2 ·- and MDA) at concentrations higher than 1 μg L⁻¹ . In parallel, transcriptome analysis of gill tissue revealed extensive differential expression of genes involved in cell homeostasis, metabolism, detoxification, cell signaling, apoptosis, and immune function. Notably, most high-confidence genes were downregulated, highlighting a pervasive molecular response and potential impairment of vital biological processes. Our results underscore the importance of multi-endpoint, omics-informed approaches for early detection of chemical threats to aquatic biodiversity and contribute novel mechanistic insight for the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W4414567335