Journal article

A multi-platform metabolomics approach demonstrates changes in energy metabolism and the transsulfuration pathway in Chironomus tepperi following exposure to zinc

SM Long, DL Tull, KJ Jeppe, DP De Souza, S Dayalan, VJ Pettigrove, MJ McConville, AA Hoffmann

Aquatic Toxicology | Published : 2015

Abstract

Measuring biological responses in resident biota is a commonly used approach to monitoring polluted habitats. The challenge is to choose sensitive and, ideally, stressor-specific endpoints that reflect the responses of the ecosystem. Metabolomics is a potentially useful approach for identifying sensitive and consistent responses since it provides a holistic view to understanding the effects of exposure to chemicals upon the physiological functioning of organisms. In this study, we exposed the aquatic non-biting midge, Chironomus tepperi, to two concentrations of zinc chloride and measured global changes in polar metabolite levels using an untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-M..

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Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

The authors thank Rebecca Reid and Lee Engelstad for assistance with chironomid culture and the zinc exposures. We also thank Komal Kanojia, Sean O'Callaghan, James Pyke, Amsha Nahid and John Sheedy for assistance with optimization, extraction, quantification and analysis of metabolites. This project was funded by foundation funding granted to the Centre of Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management by The Victorian Science Agenda Investment Fund managed by the Department of Business and Innovation with partner funding contributed from Melbourne Water, Department of Primary Industries (Victoria), and Environment Protection Authority (Victoria) and by fellowships from the Australian Research Council (AHH & KJJ) and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (MJM).