Determination of mRNA expression of DMRT93B, vitellogenin, and cuticle 12 in Daphnia magna and their biomarker potential for endocrine disruption

We explored the use of molecular genetic biomarkers for endocrine disruption in Daphnia magna after the exposure to fenoxycarb (FOC), a model juvenile hormone analog. For this purpose, the mRNA expression patterns of DMRT93B (DMRT, sex determination), cuticle 12 (CUT, molting), and vitellogenin (VTG, embryo development) were determined in D. magna. Furthermore, these results were compared with developmental abnormality and reproduction performance. The fold changes of CUT and VTG mRNA expression showed significant dose-response relationship with FOC exposure. Relative mRNA expressions of DMRT and CUT showed notable changes at as low as 1 ng/l FOC. After chronic exposure FOC significantly delayed the first day of reproduction and decreased the number of young and growth rate even at 10 ng/l FOC. A concentration-dependant trend in reproduction effect was also observed. Developmental abnormality such as poorly developed second antennae and curved or unextended shell spines were observed. These results suggest that the three mRNAs, i.e., DMRT, CUT, and VTG can be used as biomarkers of endocrine disrupting effects in D. magna.