THE SYSTEMS BIOLOGY IN THE STUDY OF XENOBIOTIC EFFECTS ON MARINE ORGANISMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STATUS ASSESSMENT: BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS (LECTURE)

Environmental assessment and bioremediation of imperilled habitats result the only strategy for territory management. Recently, the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research has funded the project -SYSTEMS BIOLOGY-, aimed to provide a detailed picture of marine ecosystems subjected to high anthropogenic impact. This Italian National Research Project (PRIN) is articulated into two main phases: the study of the effects of toxic contaminants on -sea sentinels- and their strategic conservation; and the development and implementation of preservation and bioremediation strategies for the decontamination of marine water and sediments. Each phase is realized through a synergic collaboration among eight operative units. The unit from Federico II University of Naples (UniNA) assesses the environmental health status through the eco-toxicological impact on tissues involved in the reproductive events. UniNA defines the levels of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants; checks for morpho-functional correlations between oxidants and reproductive health status; estimates xenobiotics effects on histones, sperm nuclear basic proteins, DNA damage and repair as well as qualitative and quantitative responses to stress of genes and proteins involved in spermatogenesis. A meaningful knowledge of these mechanisms may help in understanding the role of the natural adaptation to environmental changes, as well as the mechanisms involved in reproductive performance.