Annual variation in the levels of transcripts of sex-specific genes in the mantle of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis.

ABSTRACT: Mytilus species are used as sentinels for the assessment of environmental health but sex or stage in the reproduction cycle is rarely considered even though both parameters are likely to influence responses to pollution. We have validated the use of a qPCR assay for sex identification and related the levels of transcripts to the reproductive cycle. A temporal study of mantle of Mytilus edulis found transcripts of male-specific vitelline coat lysin (VCL) and female-specific vitelline envelope receptor for lysin (VERL) could identify sex over a complete year. The levels of VCL/VERL were proportional to the numbers of sperm/ova and are indicative of the stage of the reproductive cycle. Maximal levels of VCL and VERL were found in February 2009 declining to minima between July - August before

SUBMITTER: Anantharaman S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3511322 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature