Molecular effects of a variable environment on Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata: Thermal and low salinity stress, and their synergistic effect

Bivalves are frequently exposed to salinity and temperature fluctuations in the estuary. This study explored the molecular effect of these fluctuations by exposing Sydney rock oysters, (Saccostrea glomerata), native to Australia, to either low salinity, elevated temperature or a combined salinity and temperature stress. Following the exposures, RNA-Seq was carried out on the collected oyster tissues. Differential transcript analysis resulted in a total of 1473, 1232 and 2571 transcripts, which were differentially expressed in S. glomerata exposed to low salinity (10 ppt), elevated temperature (30 degrees C) or the combined stressor (15 ppt and 30 degrees C), respectively, when compared to control oysters. All stress treatments had some effect on molecular processes such as innate immune response or respiration, with overall the strongest effects seen in S. glomerata exposed to the combined stressor. Additionally, most transporters putatively involved in osmoregulation were found to be suppressed in response to the combined stressor and the low salinity exposure. This study provides insight into the oyster's responses to both, single and dual stressors commonly found in an estuarine environment.