Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Changes in Euglena gracilis in Response to Mercury Stress

Metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a widespread issue that has negative effects on aquatic life and is further exasperated by anthropogenic activities. Mercury (Hg) is a particularly toxic element and a global pollutant as it can disperse around the world regardless of its origin. In this study, we explore the transcriptomic and metabolomic responses of Euglena gracilis cultures after exposure to Hg. Transcriptomic changes were evaluated using differential gene expression with cDNA microarray methodologies while metabolomic changes were assessed using a non-targeted Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) approach. Our findings highlight specific transcriptomic and metabolomic changes in cellular and released biomolecules and how shifts in E. gracilis cellular mechanisms can provide resistance to Hg exposure.