Investigation of the molecular mechanisms which contribute to the survival of the polychaete Platynereis spp. under ocean acidification conditions in the CO2 vent system of Ischia Island (Italy)

The continuous increase of CO 2 emissions in the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities is one most important factors that contribute Climate Change and generates phenomenon known as Ocean Acidification (OA). Research conducted at vents Castello Aragonese (Ischia, Italy), which represents a natural laboratory for study OA, demonstrated some organisms, such polychaetes, thrive under acidified conditions through different adaptation mechanisms. Some functional ecological traits promoting tolerance acidification these organisms have been identified, while molecular physiological mechanisms underlying acclimatisation or genetic are still largely unknown. Therefore, this we investigated epigenetic traits, histone acetylation methylation, Platynereis spp. individuals coming from vent, nearby control site, two periods year (November-June). Untargeted metabolomics analysis was also carried out specimens sites. We found profile H2B site compared vent function sampling period. Metabolomic showed clear separation pattern metabolites polychaetes with respect those vent. Specifically, significant reduction lipid/sterols nucleosides measured Overall results better understand potential metabolic pathways involved OA.