Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number (mtDNAcn) as a Functional Biomarker for Seascape Genetics
12th Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Symposium, Mersin, Türkiye, 6 - 10 Temmuz 2026, (Yayınlanmadı)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Yayınlanmadı
- Basıldığı Şehir: Mersin
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The spatial heterogeneity of marine
environments, shaped by chemical and physical gradients, plays a key role in
structuring population genetics. While traditional approaches focus on
long-term evolutionary patterns, seascape genetics increasingly uses functional
biomarkers to detect rapid physiological responses to local anthropogenic
stressors. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is a promising biomarker
because it reflects changes in energy metabolism and oxidative stress.
Pollutant exposure disrupts mitochondrial function and increases reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production. Due to its limited repair capacity and lack of
protective histones, mtDNA is highly sensitive to oxidative damage, which can
reduce its copy number.
In this study, Aurelia aurita specimens were
collected along a defined pollution gradient in Izmit Bay (Kocaeli, Türkiye) to
evaluate mtDNAcn variability within a seascape genetics framework.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number was quantified using Droplet Digital PCR,
alongside the assessment of key environmental parameters (conductivity,
salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and water transparency via Secchi
depth) and organismal traits (bell diameter and weight). Integrated analyses
revealed a significant association between environmental heterogeneity and
mtDNAcn variation, with consistently reduced copy numbers observed under
elevated pollution conditions. These results support the sensitivity of mtDNAcn
to environmental stress gradients and highlight its utility as a functional
biomarker for detecting anthropogenic impacts and assessing population-level
resilience in marine systems.
Keywords: mtDNAcn, Seascape Genetics, Aurelia aurita