International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 225-233 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 225 Feature Review Open Access Environmental Genomics of Gammarus: Responses to Habitat Changes Fangqi Xu Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: fangqi.xu@cuixi.org International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2024.14.0024 Received: 15 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 21 Sep., 2024 Published: 11 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Xu F.Q., 2024, Environmental genomics of Gammarus: responses to habitat changes, International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 14(5): 225-233 (doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2024.14.0024) Abstract This study analyzes the genomic adaptation mechanisms of Gammarus species under environmental stress, focusing on the impacts of pollution, temperature fluctuations, salinity variations, hypoxia, and habitat fragmentation on their population genetic structure, transcriptome, and proteome. The findings indicate that Gammarus species enhance their tolerance to pollution stress through genetic adaptation, epigenetic modifications, and changes in protein expression. Comparative genomics research reveals the coexistence of both convergent and divergent evolutionary strategies in Gammarus species adapting to different habitats. This study highlights the application prospects of genomics in the conservation and ecological management of Gammarus species and proposes conservation strategies based on genetic diversity maintenance and habitat restoration to mitigate the ongoing impacts of climate change and human activities on aquatic ecosystems. Keywords Gammarus species; Population decline; Ecological protection; Genetic diversity; Climate change 1 Introduction Gammarus species, a group of freshwater crustaceans, play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as they contribute significantly to the decomposition of organic matter and serve as a vital food source for various fish and bird species. These organisms are often used as sentinel species in ecotoxicological studies due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and pollutants (Cribiu et al., 2018). Their ecological relevance is underscored by their widespread presence in natural stream communities, where they help maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Gammarus species are increasingly exposed to various environmental stressors, including chemical pollutants and habitat alterations. These stressors can significantly impact their physiological and reproductive processes. For instance, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as cadmium and other xenobiotics has been shown to alter sperm quality and protein expression in Gammarus fossarum, indicating a disruption in reproductive health (Trapp et al., 2015). Additionally, changes in water temperature and food availability can lead to modifications in genomic cytosine methylation levels, which are potential markers of environmental stress (Cribiu et al., 2018). Genomic studies provide valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms of Gammarus species in response to environmental changes. By examining epigenetic marks such as cytosine methylation, researchers can assess how these organisms modulate their genetic expression in response to stressors (Cribiu et al., 2018). Proteomic analyses further reveal the biological impacts of toxic exposure, highlighting changes in protein expression that are crucial for understanding the resilience and vulnerability of Gammarus to environmental pressures (Trapp et al., 2015). This study aims to synthesize current knowledge on the environmental genomics of Gammarus species, focusing on their responses to habitat changes and stressors. By integrating findings from genomic and proteomic studies, the study seeks to elucidate the molecular and physiological adaptations of these organisms, to enhance the understanding of Gammarus as sentinel species and to inform conservation strategies that mitigate the impacts of environmental stressors on aquatic ecosystems.
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