Reinforcement of Lipid and Immunological Transcriptomic Responses in the Native Oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae

Marine and estuarine ecosystems often serve as recipients of contaminants from various anthropogenic activities, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff and sanitary sewage. These contaminants have significantly compromised the quality of water bodies, posing a threat to both aquatic habitats and life. Furthermore, linked to these issues is the increasing demand for seafood, propelled by the expanding global population, which has heightened the dependence on aquaculture as a crucial source of aquatic products. Bivalve farming is a significant economic aquaculture activity in many bay and estuary regions of Brazil. The exotic species Crassostrea gigas is the most commonly cultivated oyster species, although the cultivation of native mangrove species C. rhizophorae and C. gasar have growth potential and represent an important economic activity for many communities. Given the ecological and economic significance of bays and estuaries and their relationship with aquaculture activity, it is crucial to monitor these environments extensively. Due to their economic importance and their ability to survive in highly contaminated environments, oysters have been the subject of numerous studies aimed at understanding their defense and adaptation systems in the face of environmental challenges. In this regard, omics approaches, such as transcriptome analysis, which provide a comprehensive view of all transcribed RNAs in a cell or tissue, have emerged as fundamental tools for obtaining systemic information about the metabolic state of organisms facing these challenges. Therefore, this study aims to understand the dynamics of gene expression through transcriptome analysis of a population of native oysters inhabiting an area constantly affected by the input of untreated domestic sewage.