Response of detoxification gene mRNA expression and selection of molecular biomarkers in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has a high carcinogenic potential. B[a]P concentrations and molecular biomarkers (mRNA expressions of Pgp, AhR, CYP4, CYP414A1, GST-pi, GST-S2, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD) were assayed in gills and digestive glands of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum exposed to 0.03, 0.3 and 3 μg/L B[a]P for 21 days and then exposed to natural seawater for 15 days. Results showed that B[a]P was rapidly accumulated in and then eliminated from tissues of the clams. All gene mRNA expressions in the treated groups were induced significantly with the exception of CYP414A1 and Cu/Zn-SOD in the 0.03 μg/L B[a]P group. According to correlation analysis, mRNA expressions of AhR, GST-pi and Mn-SOD in gills and GST-pi in digestive glands had good correlations with B[a]P concentrations and could be used as molecular biomarkers of B[a]P exposure. This study investigated the molecular response of the genes mentioned above and selected useful molecular biomarkers for B[a]P pollution monitoring.