Transcriptomic analysis of Raphidocelis subcapitata exposed to erythromycin: The role of DNA replication in hormesis and growth inhibition

Abstract

The occurrence of hormesis in the algal growth inhibition test is a major challenge in the dose-response characterization, whereas the molecular mechanism remains unraveled. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the changes in the molecular pathways in a model green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata treated with erythromycin (ERY; 4, 80, 120 μg L−1) by transcriptomic analysis. After 7 day exposure, ERY at 4 μg L−1 caused hormetic effects (21.9 %) on cell density, whereas 52.0 % and 65.4 % were inhibited in two higher exposures. By using adj p < 0.05 and absolute log2 fold change> 1 as a cutoff, we identified 218, 950, and 2896 differentially expressed genes in 4, 80, 120 μg L−1 treatment groups, respectively. In two higher ERY treated groups, genes involved in phases I, II & III metabolism processes and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathway were consistently suppressed. Interestingly, genes (e.g., pri2, mcm2, and mcm6) enriched in DNA replication process were up-regulated in 4 μg L−1 group, whereas these genes were all repressed in 120 μg L−1 group. Alteration trend in gene expression was consistent with algal growth. Taken together, our results unveiled the molecular mechanism of action in ERY- stimulated/ inhibited growth in green alga.