Phenotypic and Gene Expression Profiles of Embryo Development of the Ascidian Ciona robusta Exposed to Dispersants

Within EU approval policies, most dispersant ecotoxicity testing considers lethal concentrations for marine adult species, overlooking the embryotoxicological effects. Here we studied of two commercial formulations (dispersant A and B) on embryogenesis ascidian Ciona robusta. Embryotoxicity phenotypic alterations stated that B resulted more toxic than (EC50 value 44.30 160 μg mL−1, respectively) induced severe larvae malformations at lower concentrations. Furthermore, analysis genes involved in different cellular response pathways indicated those belonging to biotransformation were upregulated by treatment, likely related presence hydrocarbons. Instead, cas8 gene downregulation, probably as a result prolonged exposure mixture components. Our preliminary findings support use C. robusta embryotoxicity test valuable tool procedures, providing sub-lethal responses invertebrates closely vertebrates.