Proteomic analysis in caged Mediterranean crab (Carcinus maenas) and chemical contaminant exposure in Téboulba Harbour, Tunisia

- We use proteomics approach to assess the toxic effects of contaminants.
- High levels of contaminants induce major changes in protein expression profiles.
- Identified proteins pertained to different categories of biological function.
- Identified proteins could be used as novel molecular biomarkers of chemical exposure and effect.

This study uses proteomics approach to assess the toxic effects of contaminants in the Mediterranean crab (Carcinus maenas) after transplantation into Téboulba fishing harbour. High levels of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in sediments. Although their effects on vertebrates are well described, little is known about their early biological effects in marine invertebrates under realistic conditions. Protein expression profiles of crabs caged for 15, 30 and 60 days were compared to unexposed animals. Nineteen proteins with significant expression differences were identified by capLC-µESI-IT MS/MS and homology search on databases. Differentially expressed proteins were assigned to five different categories of biological function including: (1) chitin catabolism, (2) proteolysis, (3) exoskeleton biosynthesis, (4) protein folding and stress response, and (5) transport. The proteins showing major expression changes in C. maenas after different caging times may be considered as novel molecular biomarkers for effectively biomonitoring aquatic environment contamination.