Proteomic Comparison between Two Marine Snail Ecotypes Reveals Details about the Biochemistry of Adaptation

Mnica Martnez-Fernndez, Ana M. Rodrguez-Pieiro, Eliandre Oliveira, Mara Pez de la Cadena and Emilio Roln-Alvarez*
Departamento de Bioqumica, Gentica e Inmunologa. Facultad de Biologa, Universidad de Vigo, Campus Universitario, 36310 Vigo, Spain, and Plataforma de Protemica, Parc Cientfic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, C/ Josep Samitier, 1-5, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
J. Proteome Res., 2008, 7 (11), pp 4926–4934
DOI: 10.1021/pr700863e
Publication Date (Web): October 20, 2008
Copyright © 2008 American Chemical Society

Universidad de Vigo.

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Universitat de Barcelona.

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* To whom correspondence should be addressed. Phone: +34 986 813827. Fax: +34 986 813828. E-mail: rolan@uvigo.es.

Abstract

Abstract Image

The proteomic changes occurring during speciation are fundamental to understand this process, though they have been rarely addressed until present. Therefore, we compared the proteome of two ecotypes (RB and SU) of the marine snail Littorina saxatilis, a case of sympatric incomplete speciation, originated as a byproduct of adaptation to distinct habitats. Thus, the RB ecotype is able to resist stresses of desiccation and temperature on the upper shore, whereas the SU ecotype defies strong physical disturbances due to wave action. Qualitative analyses of 2-DE gels demonstrated 21 proteins differentially expressed (1.4% of the proteome, 1.2% after considering type-I errors), while quantitative changes accounted for differences in 22 spots (16% of the proteome, 11% after considering type-I errors). These results suggest that adaptative phenotypic plasticity, natural selection, or both maintain these ecotypes in sympatry. Among the proteins identified by MS, we found that fructose-bisphosphate aldolase and arginine kinase were up-regulated in the SU ecotype, suggesting an enhancement of the level of energy available as ATP, in order to withstand its wave-exposed habitat.

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History

  • Published In Issue November 07, 2008
  • Article ASAPOctober 21, 2008
  • Received: December 20, 2007

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