Abstract
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are commonly used as sentinel organisms in freshwater biomonitoring. The displacement of this species by quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has raised the issue of their discrimination after field sampling. Even if those two species exhibit specific morphological characteristics, confusion can occur. However, behind the visible phenotypes lie important physiological and metabolic differences that may affect the interpretation of biomarkers in risk assessment. In this study, we present a characterization of Cu/Zn-SODs (superoxide dismutases) in Dreissena spp. with a comparison of activity profiles from individuals originating from North America and Europe. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and dreissenid SOD sequences appear to be closely related to clam species sequences. A specific isoform at an isoelectric point value of 4.95 was observed only for quagga mussels independently of their origin, while zebra mussels exhibited several polymorphic profiles, even for a single sampling site. A comparison of transcript sequences was conducted and the observed differences were highlighted. Alignment of amino acid sequences shows a high level of identity between the two species associated with minor changes in the predicted secondary structures.
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