Alitta virens (Annelida, Lophotrochozoa) transcriptome

This project investigates transcriptome responses in the gut of the polychaete A. virens to copper and zinc exposures. Polychaetes are vital for monitoring the effects of toxic metals and Alitta virens is particularly suited to this monitoring effort due to its widespread distribution and large biomass. Characterising the transcriptomic response to metal exposure allows us to generate molecular biomarkers for detecting metal-induced stress. These markers can then be used to monitor the health of A. virens at metal-impacted sites and could be applied to other polychaete species.