Transcriptional Responses of Jellyfish to Phenanthrene: CL390 Expression and Development of a Gene Expression Protocol

Overview

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as phenanthrene are widespread marine pollutants known to disrupt developmental and physiological processes in organisms, yet their molecular effects in cnidarians are poorly understood. Phenanthrene is released during wildfires, oil spills, and fossil fuel combustion and is often transported into coastal environments through atmospheric deposition and runoff. In coastal ecosystems, these inputs represent chronic environmental stressors. Jellyfish occupy a key evolutionary position and are increasingly recognized as bioindicators of marine pollution due to their sensitivity and ecological relevance. In this study, moon jellyfish polyps were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of phenanthrene to investigate stress responses using gene expression as an indicator. I examined expression of CL390, a gene prominent in development and regulation, as a potential molecular marker of pollutant exposure in jellyfish polyps. I troubleshooted a gene expression protocol optimized for jellyfish polyps, including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, spectrophotometric quantification, PCR, and gel-based visualization. This approach enables assessment of sublethal pollutant effects in marine invertebrates despite challenges associated with gelatinous tissues. Densitometric analysis of PCR products revealed concentration- and time-dependent changes in CL390 expression, with higher phenanthrene concentrations and longer exposure durations associated with increased relative expression. These results support the use of jellyfish polyps as a model for studying sublethal impacts of coastal pollution and demonstrate the potential of CL390 as a bioindicator linking molecular stress responses to environmental contamination.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Zoology (Senior Division) · Entry S-20-13

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