Adaptive changes and phenotypic plasticity on Manila clam inhabiting a Venice lagoon polluted sites

Transcriptional analyses (RNAseq) has been applied to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the survival and adaptation of Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum populations inhabiting a polluted site within the Venice lagoon. To reach such a goal, clams inhabiting the deeply impacted area of Porto Marghera (PM) have been transplanted for six months in a cleaner site placed in the south part of Venice lagoon (Chioggia). Manila clams have been collected and analyzed after collection at the origin site, one and six months after transplantation