中国明对虾免疫系统中抗氧化相关基因的克隆与表达分析

对虾病害在世界范围内的广泛传播，给水产养殖和沿海农村经济造成了重大损失。深入开展对虾免疫机制研究并在此基础上寻找对虾疾病防治的有效方法已成为当务之急。研究表明，当对虾等甲壳动物受到外界病原刺激时，其体内的吞噬细胞在吞噬活动中会激活磷酸己糖支路的代谢，引起呼吸爆发，产生多种活性氧分子。另外，受到病原侵染的对虾还会产生其他多种免疫反应，这些免疫反应将消耗大量的能量（ATP），产能的呼吸链会加速运转，由此也会引发大量活性氧的产生。这些活性氧分子可以杀灭入侵的病原微生物，但同时由于活性氧分子反应的非特异性，它们也会对宿主的细胞、组织和器官造成严重伤害，进而导致对虾生理机能的损伤和免疫系统的破坏。所以，消除对虾体内因过度免疫反应产生的过量氧自由基将能够增强其抵御病原侵染的能力，提高免疫力。本论文从中国明对虾体内克隆了线粒体型超氧化物歧化酶（mMnSOD）、胞质型超氧化物歧化酶（cMnSOD）、过氧化氢酶（Catalase）和过氧化物还原酶（Peroxiredoxin）等四种与免疫系统相关的抗氧化酶基因，分析了它们的分子结构特征，组织分布及应答不同病原刺激的表达变化模式，并对其中的mMnSOD基因和Peroxiredoxin基因进行了体外重组表达、分离纯化和酶活性分析。 采用RACE技术从中国明对虾血细胞中克隆了两个超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）基因，通过序列比对分析发现，其中一个为mMnSOD基因，另一个为cMnSOD基因。mMnSOD基因的cDNA全长为1185个碱基，其中开放阅读框为660个碱基，编码220个氨基酸，其中推测的信号肽为20个氨基酸。多序列比对结果显示中国明对虾mMnSOD基因的推导氨基酸序列与罗氏沼虾、蓝蟹的推导氨基酸序列同源性分别为88%和82%。Northern blot结果表明，该基因在对虾的肝胰脏、血细胞、淋巴器官、肠、卵巢、肌肉和鳃等组织中均有表达。半定量RT-PCR结果显示，对虾感染病毒3 h时，该基因在血细胞和肝胰脏中的转录水平显著升高。此外，通过构建原核表达载体，本研究对该基因进行了体外重组表达，并对纯化的重组蛋白进行了质谱鉴定和酶活分析。cMnSOD基因的cDNA全长为1284个碱基，其中开放阅读框为861个碱基，编码287个氨基酸。多序列比对结果显示中国明对虾cMnSOD基因的推导氨基酸序列与斑节对虾和凡纳滨对虾的同源性高达98%和94%。组织半定量结果显示，cMnSOD基因在对虾被检测的各个组织中均有表达。 另外，半定量RT-PCR结果表明，对虾感染病毒23h时，该基因在肝胰脏中的转录上升到正常水平的3.5倍；而感染后59 h时，该基因在血细胞中的转录上升到正常水平的2.5倍。 利用根据其他生物过氧化氢酶保守氨基酸序列设计的简并引物，结合RACE技术，从中国明对虾肝胰脏中克隆到了过氧化氢酶基因的部分片段，片段长1725个碱基。多序列比对结果发现目前所得中国明对虾Catalase基因部分片段的推导氨基酸序列与罗氏沼虾和皱纹盘鲍Catalase氨基酸序列的同源性分别达到95%和73%。通过实时荧光定量PCR技术对中国明对虾Catalase基因在各个组织中的分布情况及病毒感染后该基因在血细胞和肝胰脏中的转录变化进行了研究。结果发现，该基因在肝胰脏、鳃、肠和血细胞中表达水平较高，在卵巢、淋巴器官和肌肉中的表达水平相对较弱；感染病毒23 h和37 h时，对虾血细胞和肝胰脏中该基因mRNA的表达量分别出现显著性上升。 依据中国明对虾头胸部cDNA文库提供的部分片段信息，结合SMART-RACE技术，从中国明对虾肝胰脏中克隆到了过氧化物还原酶基因（Peroxiredoxin）， 该基因的cDNA全长为942个碱基，其中开放阅读框为594个碱基，编码198个氨基酸。中国明对虾Peroxiredoxin基因的推断氨基酸序列与伊蚊、文昌鱼和果蝇等Peroxiredoxin基因的推断氨基酸序列同源性分别为77%、76%和73%。其蛋白理论分子量为22041.17 Da，pI为5.17。Northern blot结果表明，Peroxiredoxin基因在对虾的肝胰脏、血细胞、淋巴器官、肠、卵巢、肌肉和鳃等组织中均有表达。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示，弧菌感染后，该基因在对虾血细胞和肝胰脏中的转录水平都有明显变化并且表达模式不同。另外，对该基因进行了体外重组表达，并对纯化的重组蛋白进行了质谱鉴定和酶活性分析。酶活性分析表明，复性后的重组蛋白能在DTT存在的条件下还原H2O2。

皱纹盘鲍血细胞内活性氧抗病机制及几种环境污染物及其影响的研究

本研究首次揭示了皱纹盘鲍(Haliotis discus hannai) 血细胞内存在着利用活性氧（Reactive oxygen species, ROS）的抗病机制。为今后我国研究贝类的活性氧抗病机制和筛选免疫药物提供了理论基础。本研究主要结果如下：1. 利用鲁米诺（Luminol, 3-氨基邻苯二甲酰肼）为依赖的化学发光法在体外条件下用不同刺激物（酵母细胞和酵母聚糖）对皱纹盘鲍血细胞进行刺激，测定血细胞吞噬活动中历经呼吸爆发产生活性氧的化学发光反应。结果表明皱纹盘鲍血细胞在体外条件下，经刺激物诱导吞噬活动中有明显的呼吸爆现象和很强的活性氧产生。不同有刺激物诱导血细胞产生的化学发光强度不同；同一刺激物的不同处理和不同浓度对血细胞产生活性氧的化学发光强度的影响不同。刺激物经皱纹盘鲍自体血清调理和未经调理对血细胞刺激所产生的化学发光强度不同。SOD和NaN_3对皱纹盘鲍血细胞吞噬过程中活性氧产生的化学发光有抑制作用。上述结果证明了皱纹盘鲍血细胞内存在有象高等动物血细胞内一样的MPO-H_2O-卤素系统的氧化性抗病机制，即在血细胞吞噬异物过程中能够释放活性氧（ROS）对异物进行杀灭的功能。2. 利用活性氧清除剂（过氧化氢酶、SOD、苯甲酸钠、2，5-二甲基呋喃、NBT和EDTA等）对皱纹盘鲍血细胞释放的活性氧进行分类测试，结果表明活性氧清除剂对皱纹盘鲍血细胞吞噬的化学发光都有明显的抑制作用，从而证明皱纹盘鲍血细胞能够释放的活性氧的种类有：超氧阴离子（O_2~-），过氧化氢（H_2O_2），羟自由基（OH~·）和单线态氧（~1O_2）。3. 在体外条件下利用化学发光法定量地研究了不同种类和不同浓度的农药：对硫磷（Parathion）、敌敌畏（Dichlorovos)、乐果（Dimethoate)、2，4-D 丁酯(2,4-D butylester)和甲胺磷（Methamidophos）对皱纹盘鲍血细胞氧化性抗病机制的影响。结果显示不同农药对皱纹鲍血细胞产生ROS的影响程度不同，及同一种农药的不同浓度的浸泡1h或浸泡12h处理皱纹盘鲍血细胞都能够抑制血细胞吞噬时的化学发光，表明农药能够抑制皱纹敌国鲍血细胞吞噬活动中的活性氧（ROS）的产生，而且这种抑制作用随着农药浓度的增加而加强。几种农药抑制皱纹盘鲍血细胞产生活性氧（ROS）的强度不同：2，4D-丁酯，敌敌畏和乐果的抑制作用强于对硫磷和甲胺磷。同时测定了不同浓度的农药浸泡12h后的皱纹盘鲍因细胞吞噬酵母细胞的吞噬百分率和吞噬指数，结果显示多数农药在低浓度时能够提高皱纹盘鲍血细胞的吞噬百分率和吞噬指数，而在高浓度时则能抑制血细胞吞噬酵母细胞的活力而降低血细胞的吞噬百分率的吞噬指数。4. 在体外条件下利用化学发光法定量地研究了不同种类和不同浓度的重金属：铭（Cr）、镉（Cd）、汞（Hg）、铅（Pb）、铜（Cu）和锌（Zn）对皱纹盘鲍血细胞氧化性抗病机制的影响。结果显示不同种类和不同浓度的重金属浸泡1hr.处理皱纹盘鲍血细胞都不同程度地抑制了血细胞吞噬时的化学发光，表明重金属能够抑制皱纹盘鲍血细胞吞噬活动中的活性氧（ROS）的产生，而且这种抑制作用随着重金属浓度的增加而加强。不同的重金属抑制强度不同，从强到弱依次为Hg > Cd > Cu > Pb > Cr > Zn. 研究表明六种重金属中，Hg对皱纹盘鲍血细胞的免疫毒性最大。

皱纹盘鲍的遗传育种与养殖技术研究

优良的种质是产业发展的重要保证，品种更新和养殖技术的发展已经给世界农业带来了令人瞩目的成就，然而我国水产生物的育种工作刚处于起步阶段，而育种技术的研究则更是滞后。借鉴陆生生物中发展起来的相对成熟的研究方法，可以帮助加快海洋生物遗传育种相关研究的进度。本研究以我国北方海区重要的海洋经济动物－皱纹盘鲍为研究对象，从表型遗传、数量性状遗传等2个方面开展了皱纹盘鲍的遗传育种研究，同时从幼鲍培育密度与分选效应等方面研究了皱纹盘鲍的中间培育技术。 主要结果如下： 1. 皱纹盘鲍的贝壳颜色遗传、食物对贝壳颜色表现型的影响，贝壳颜色与生长速度间的关系 将贝壳颜色为橘红色（O表型）的突变型皱纹盘鲍与贝壳颜色为绿色（G表型）的野生型皱纹盘鲍进行了连续2代的交配实验。结果表明：皱纹盘鲍橘红色的贝壳颜色相对于绿色的贝壳颜色为隐性性状，皱纹盘鲍的贝壳颜色表型受单位点、2个等位基因遗传控制，其中基因型为oo的个体，贝壳颜色的表现型为橘红色（O表型），而基因型为GG或Go的个体，贝壳颜色的表现型为野生型（G表型）。 为探讨食物类型对不同基因型皱纹盘鲍贝壳颜色表现型的影响，对不同贝壳颜色表型的个体投喂不同种类的食物，结果表明，除遗传因素外，皱纹盘鲍的贝壳颜色表现型显著地受食物类型的调控。其中oo基因型的个体，在摄食底栖硅藻（Navicula sp.）和红藻时，贝壳颜色的表型为橘红色；而在摄食褐藻、绿藻和以海带粉为唯一海藻源的人工配合饵料时，贝壳颜色的表型为黄色。GG和Go基因型的个体，在摄食底栖硅藻、红藻时，贝壳颜色的表型为褐红色；在摄食褐藻、绿藻和以海带粉为唯一海藻源的人工配合饵料时，贝壳颜色的表型为绿色。该结果表明，相同基因型的皱纹盘鲍在摄食不同类型的食物时，贝壳表现型不同，即不同类型的食物可以导致2种基因型皱纹盘鲍的贝壳颜色表现型在一定范围内发生转换：oo基因型的个体，贝壳的颜色可以表现为橘红色或者黄色，不会出现野生型皱纹盘鲍的褐红色或绿色；而GG与Go基因型的个体，相应的贝壳颜色表型只能是褐红色或者绿色，不会出现oo基因型可能表现的橘红色或黄色。特定基因型的皱纹盘鲍，在摄食特定类型的食物时贝壳的相应部位可表现出特定的颜色。皱纹盘鲍的这种“食物－贝壳颜色”的相关性可作为一种形态标记，用于标识皱纹盘鲍的个体和群体，该标记技术可用于皱纹盘鲍的养殖技术和遗传学研究。 此外，选用了贝壳颜色遗传学实验中建立的贝壳颜色发生分离的家系为实验材料，以壳长为指标，分析比较了来自相同家系的O表型与G表型个体之间的生长速度。结果表明，在幼鲍发育至412天止的3-5个统计时段内，没有在同一家系来源的2种贝壳颜色表型个体之间检验到生长速度的显著差异。 2. 皱纹盘鲍不同选育群体及杂交群体的贝壳形态参数分析 在皱纹盘鲍的7个群体中（包括已经对生长速度为指标进行了多代人工选育的群体4个、野生群体之间直接杂交繁育的杂交F1群体3个），测量了4-6龄成体样本的壳长（L）、壳宽（W）、壳高（H）和壳重（Sw），并计算了L/（L+W+H）、W/（L+W+H）、H/（L+W+H）和Sw/（L×W×H）等4个壳形态学参数。用方差分析方法（MANOVA、ANOVA）统计并比较了这些壳形态参数在皱纹盘鲍群体间的遗传变异。结果表明，4个壳形态参数在不同群体间变异系数分别为0.34、0.74、2.62和6.54，其中，H/（L+W+H）与Sw/（L×W×H）在各供试群体间均具有较高的多态性且差异达显著水平，表明这2个参数在不同群体间存在较高的遗传变异。由于在活体情况下无法测量壳重（Sw）性状，建议以参数H/（L+W+H）为指标对皱纹盘鲍贝壳形态（如壳型）等进行人工选择。 3. 皱纹盘鲍成体阶段生长性状的遗传参数估计 采用巢式设计，分析了成体阶段不同发育期皱纹盘鲍的壳长与生长速率的遗传力、不同发育期的壳长性状之间的遗传相关、以及不同发育期的生长速率之间的遗传相关，结果表明：（1）壳长遗传力在受精后第70 、130、320、320、380、490与550天的雄性组分估计值分别为0.161 ± 0.075、0.312 ± 0.131、0.326 ± 0.331、0.135 ± 0.228、0.153 ± 0.185和0.180 ± 0.106；雌亲组分估计分别为0.312 ± 0.172、0.699 ± 0.168、0.695 ± 0.168、0.977 ± 0.407、0.427 ± 0.195和0.449 ± 0.027。（2）生长速率遗传力在受精后第320~380天、490 ~ 550天，雄、雌组分估计值分别为0.080 ± 0.120（雄）、 0.210 ± 0.191（雌）以及0.299 ± 0.146（雄）、0.306± 0.148（雌）。雌亲组分的壳长遗传力和生长速率遗传力估计值较大且均达显著水平，表明皱纹盘鲍在成体阶段依然受母性效应的影响。成体阶段生长性状遗传力水平的估计对制定科学的皱纹盘鲍育种方案有指导意义。（3）雄亲组分估计的不同发育期（第390 ~ 550天）壳长间遗传相关为0.597 ~ 1.000，雌亲组分估计为0.589 ~ 1.177。由雄亲、雌亲组分估计，受精后第320~380天与第490 ~ 550天两个发育阶段生长速率间遗传相关均接近于0。雌亲组分估计不同发育期壳长间遗传相关均达显著水平（t0.05, d.f.=13 = 4.33 ~ 11.69，P<0.01），表明壳长性状早期选择有效，即在皱纹盘鲍早期阶段依据壳长性状对个体进行择优或去劣可在后期阶段获得壳长较大的个体。由于使用的雄亲数目少（8个父系半同胞），实验中以雄亲组分估计的遗传参数误差较大。 4. 皱纹盘鲍选育系间的群体杂交 进行了皱纹盘鲍4个人工选育系之间的完全双列杂交实验，以群体交配的方式共建立了16个组合；此外，以大连“98”选群与汕头“S”选群为亲本，以群体交配的方式建立了4个交配组合。对不同方向的杂交组合进行了中亲杂种优势、超亲杂种优势以及配合力等方面的评价。 （1）测量了4个选育群体（R、97、S和J）及其各杂交组合在受精后第9、20和30天时的壳长，统计分析了不同选育系间壳长性状的差异、评价了不同方向杂交组合的中亲与超亲杂种优势、以及配合力。结果如下： 选育系群体内交配繁育的4个组合，在受精后第9、20和30天的壳长均有显著差异，其中，97  97组合在早期发育各阶段均为最小，分别为0.462 ± 0.023mm、0.698 ± 0.057mm和1.476 ± 0.234mm；S  S组合的3次测量值均为最大，分别为0.522 ± 0.023mm、0.824 ± 0.084mm和1.798 ± 0.229mm。 两个方向杂交组合与选育系亲本群体内交配组合的平均值和高亲值比较，得到如下结果：（A）受精后第9天壳长表现正向中亲杂种优势的组合有6个、表现负向中亲杂种优势的组合6个，其中J  97组合的中亲优势率最高，为9.05%；R  S组合最低，为-6.61%。正向高亲杂种优势组合有4个、负向高亲杂种优势组合有8个，其中S  J组合的高亲优势率最高，为5.77%；R  S组合最低，为-7.96%。（B）受精后第20天壳长表现正向中亲杂种优势的组合有7个、表现负向中亲杂种优势的组合5个，其中J  97组合的中亲优势率最高，为12.60%；J  R组合最低，为-8.72%。正向高亲杂种优势组合有3个、负向高亲杂种优势组合有11个，其中J  97组合的高亲优势率最高，为12.20%；J  R组合最低，为-12.67%。（C）受精后第30天壳长表现正向中亲杂种优势的组合有7个、负向中亲杂种优势的组合5个，其中97  S组合的中亲优势率最高，为24.08%；S  97组合最低，为-12.69%。正向高亲杂种优势组合有6个、负向高亲杂种优势组合有6个，其中97  S组合的高亲优势率最高，为15.95%；S  J组合最低，为-19.44%。上述结果表明，皱纹盘鲍不同选育系之间的交配组合，杂种优势率差异很大，因此，通过组配实验，将杂种优势率高的交配组合选择出来应用于生产，可望显著提高目标性状的产量。 对早期发育阶段各生长期壳长性状，亲本一般配合力（GCA）、各杂交组合间特殊配合力（SCA）以及正反交（REC）效应值进行方差分析，结果表明：各亲本GCA差异显著，说明各选育群体存在显著的遗传差异，其中汕头选群“S”在测量的各个生长期均为正值且显著大于其它各亲本；特殊配合力（SCA）以及正反交（REC）效应值较大在各杂交组合间存在显著差异，说明在早期生长发育阶段非加性遗传效应（显性和上位效应）占主导地位。综合各个生长期亲本GCA和杂交组特殊配合力（SCA）以及正反交（REC）效应值，杂交组合97×S在早期生长阶段不仅有较高SCA值而且两个亲本也具有较大的GCA值，表明选育系97和S较适宜作为杂交亲本使用。 （2）大连“98”选群与汕头“S”选群进行2×2因子设计的群体杂交实验，比较了各交配组合早期存活相关性状如受精率、孵化率、变态率以及壳长性状，评价了两个方向杂交组合平均以及不同方向杂交组合的中亲杂种优势率。结果表明早期发育阶段各组合间的受精率无显著差异，而孵化率、变态率等两个杂交方向平均的中亲杂种优势率为5.49%与12.53%，高于壳长性状的优势率（0.936-1.534%）。方差分析结果表明不同方向的杂交组合在早期发育阶段存活相关性状以及壳长性状存在显著差异。孵化率、变态率性状，S×98的中亲杂种优势率分别为13.21%与21.10%，均高于98×S的-3.84%与3.85%；而第10和25d壳长性状，S×98的中亲杂种优势率为1.14%与-2.52%，低于98×S的1.93%与4.41%。 为进一步评价“98”选群与“S”选群不同交配组合在不同温度条件下的生长，进行了基因型与环境的互作研究。从“98”选群与“S”选群的4个交配组合中分别取5月龄幼鲍100头，各组合随机分成3组，每组1个重复，分别于12°C、16°C和 22°C温度条件下进行培育，比较各交配组合基因型与温度对幼鲍生长的影响。不同温度条件下，各组合壳长生长的方差分析结果表明，基因型和温度都能够对幼鲍生长以及最终壳长产生极显著的影响（P < 0. 01），它们的交互作用也达到显著水平（P < 0.05）。杂交子代的幼鲍壳长在12°C、16°C和 22°C温度条件下均表现出杂种优势，双向杂交的中亲杂种优势率分别为5.32%、5.55%和0.03%，表明低温条件（12°C），比高温条件（22°C）下有更强的杂种优势。汕头“S”选群的早期孵化率、变态率、生长性状以及低温条件下幼鲍生长性状的单亲杂种优势率分别为16.64%、42.49%、3.42~5.79%和5.73~9.15%，单亲杂种优势率较大，表明可通过杂交手段，显著地改良汕头“S”选群在早期发育阶段的生长速度、存活率以及幼鲍期的生长性状。本研究的结果支持了Lerner（1954）杂种优势的基因与环境互作学说。 5. 皱纹盘鲍幼鲍的中间培育技术研究 （1）对南方越冬方式的评价 目前，每年的11月前后，将6-7月龄幼鲍运往南方的闽东、闽中、闽南沿海越冬，翌年4月至6月再运回到北方（大连、山东半岛）的养殖模式已经普遍应用于皱纹盘鲍的实际生产，为评价南方越冬的幼鲍培育方式，本研究分别以不同幼鲍材料在闽东三都海湾进行了越冬培育实验。 选择生产上壳长分别为18.37 ± 1.28 mm、15.89 ± 1.10 mm、14.55 ± 1.10 mm与10.59 ± 0.84 mm的幼鲍进行了为期6.5个月的越冬培育，实验结束时，存活率分别为95.56 ± 2.21%、90.55 ± 1.96%、83.97 ± 1.63%与63.30 ± 2.79%。回归分析表明，供试幼鲍在实验起始时的壳长与越冬阶段的存活率成正相关（P = 0.018 < 0.05）。该结果表明，提高幼鲍的规格可显著提高皱纹盘鲍的越冬成活率，因此对于实际生产而言，采取适当措施提高皱纹盘鲍越冬苗种的规格将大幅增加生产的收益，而采用生长速率快的品种、品系或提早采苗均可实现该目标。综合各规格组幼鲍，幼鲍在南方开放性水域进行越冬培育的平均存活率较高，可达到91.38±0.01%，从幼鲍南方越冬的存活曲线可以看出，幼鲍的死亡主要集中在从大连运至福建某地后的15天内，出现死亡高峰的原因可能是由于运输过程的胁迫。此外，2月及4月中下旬水温出现显著降低或回升时也有较明显的死亡出现。该部分结果，对皱纹盘鲍幼鲍的养成管理有指导意义，可以通过合理安排越冬时间、避开死亡的敏感期等措施减少苗种越冬阶段的死亡量。 以中国大连野生群体繁育的子一代为亲本（10♀，10♂），以群体交配的方式繁育F2代个体为实验材料，分别于南方海区以及北方室内升温水方式下进行生长、存活比较，结果表明南方越冬培育方式下，幼鲍壳长的日增长率为81.37-108.89 µm•day-1，与北方室内升温培育条件相比，壳长生长提高了1.08 ~ 1.68倍；而存活率无显著差异。皱纹盘鲍幼鲍南方越冬方式的优势主要体现在鲍鱼幼鲍的生长速度加快，同时节约养殖场的能耗 （2）幼鲍培育过程中的养殖密度与分选效应评价 以3种规格皱纹盘鲍幼鲍为材料比较幼鲍在4个培育密度以及分选或混养条件下壳长的平均日生长及特定生长率。在南方越冬培育方式下实验进行106天，多因素方差分析结果表明实验初始幼鲍的壳长以及培育密度对壳长的生长有显著影响，而且密度效应在不同幼鲍起始规格组中有不同表现；分选没有能够提高不同规格组的生长。本研究的结果对皱纹盘鲍幼鲍的越冬培育有一定的指导作用。

皱纹盘鲍生长和抗逆相关新基因的初步研究

在刘晓研究员已构建的皱纹盘鲍全长cDNA文库及克隆随机测序的结果基础上，分析发现了皱纹盘鲍胸腺肽β（Tβ）cDNA全长，该序列全长487bp，生物信息学分析显示其含有一个135bp的开放阅读框（ORF），编码一个含44个氨基酸的蛋白质分子，另外其5'和3'非翻译区长度分别是69bp和283bp，3'端非翻译区具有AATAAA mRNA加尾信号及PolyA寡聚腺苷酸尾巴。采用荧光定量PCR的方法研究皱纹盘鲍Tβ的组织特异性发现，Tβ在各组织中均有分布，但在外套膜中高表达，推测和其组织结构中富含参与免疫分泌的颗粒有关。利用荧光定量PCR检测感染鳗弧菌后皱纹盘鲍腹足肌中Tβ在不同时间点的转录表达发现，Tβ基因表现出具有显著差异的时间依赖性，12h后Tβ基因的表达量明显升高，且在处理后24h达到最高值，然后表达量开始回落，至处理后72h，Tβ表达量基本降至初始值。推测皱纹盘鲍在受到病原菌侵染后Tβ基因表达量上调可能是由于Tβ基因参与了皱纹盘鲍的免疫反应，它可能在皱纹盘鲍的抗逆机制中发挥着重要作用。 发现了一个在皱纹盘鲍大小个体中差异表达的长1555bp含有完整3’端的新基因片断，暂命名为TH。利用荧光定量PCR检测皱纹盘鲍RwRh、J1Rh、J1Jm、RwJm 4个家系大小个体中TH基因的差异表达，发现其在大个体中的表达量显著高于小个体，推测其可能与皱纹盘鲍生长速度有某种关联。荧光定量PCR对皱纹盘鲍TH基因时空差异表达的研究发现，其在发育过程中的表达呈现出一定的规律性，即在围口壳幼虫期前始终保持较低水平的表达，当围口壳形成后表达量急剧增加，至幼鲍时达到最高值，在成鲍中也维持较高水平的表达，提示该基因可能调控壳的发育。同时，皱纹盘鲍TH基因具有组织特异性表达，在外套膜中的表达量显著高于其他组织，推测和其组织结构中富含参与壳形成的颗粒有关。另外还比较了皱纹盘鲍RwRh、J1Rh、J1Jm、RwJm 4个家系中TH基因的差异表达，结果发现在这4个家系中的相对表达呈现出一定的规律，即J1Rh＞RwRh＞RwJm＞J1Jm，可能有助于解释家系之间生物学性状上的差异。

皱纹盘鲍基因组单核苷酸多态标记开发与应用

本研究利用皱纹盘鲍的EST序列进行单核苷酸多态（SNP）标记开发；对等位基因特异性PCR（AS-PCR）方法进行了优化，使之适合SNP基因型分析；对一个作图家系开发基因相关SNP标记，并对标记在子代个体中的分离情况进行了分析，探讨了借助SNP在遗传连锁图谱上定位功能基因的方法。 对大约5800条EST序列进行拼接，共获得含有4条以上序列的contig 150个，在86个含有单碱基突变位点的contigs中发现SNP 302个，碱基置换类型A/G（C/T）、A/C（G/T）、A/T、C/G的位点数目分别为147、90、21、16个。50个contigs在BLASTx分析后具有匹配（E值小于1E-5），其中的220个SNPs全部为同义cSNPs，位于遗传密码子的第三简并位。粗略估算，皱纹盘鲍核基因组中SNP的平均分布密度不低于1%。 通过扩增DNA pool后产物直接测序共验证了28个SNP。PCR直接测序法操作简单，结果可靠，一次测序可能验证多个位点，有时还可以发现新的突变位点。通过重点研究引物3’端不同错配对PCR扩增的影响，对AS-PCR的引物设计原则及反应条件进行了探讨及优化，发现在AS引物的3’端倒数第二位引入额外的强错配后，AS-PCR检测SNP的特异性会得到很大的提高，从而使AS-PCR可以满足小规模的SNP基因型分析。 根据EST-contig或者单一的EST序列设计PCR引物74组，其中43组可以特异扩增皱纹盘鲍基因组DNA。用这些引物扩增一个作图家系的父母本，并对PCR产物纯化后分别进行双向直接测序，在18个基因片段中发现了86个SNP，其中82个是新SNP，并且绝大多数SNP位于内含子序列中。这些SNP在父母本中的基因型，在多数情形下，是一方为纯合（AA），而另一方为杂合（AB）；父母本均为杂合和均为纯合的形式则较少。在父母本中杂合形式的SNP位点，理论上可以在子代中发生分离。 在每个基因的内含子中选择父母本基因型为AA×AB或者AB×AA的SNP位点，设计AS-PCR分型引物并检测123个子代个体的基因型。在对9个基因中的11个SNP位点（包括5个母本标记和6个父本标记）进行子代基因型分析后发现，2个位点不符合孟德尔1：1分离（P < 0.05），符合预期分离比率的9个位点存在较大可能定位于遗传连锁图谱。通过分析两组父母本标记（F142和M142，F459和M459）发现，在根据父母本序列设计SNP分型引物时，可以设计指向同一基因的成对的父母本标记，从而使两个单亲标记可作为一个共同标记使用。

海湾扇贝超氧化物歧化酶家族基因结构、表达和多态性分析

海湾扇贝Argopecten irradian Lamarck于1982年从美国引种到中国，由于具有较快的生长速度和很高的经济效益，海湾扇贝成为中国最主要的养殖贝类之一。近年来海湾扇贝养殖遇到了死亡率高等问题，深入开展海湾扇贝功能基因的研究，尤其是免疫相关基因及其机制研究并在此基础上寻找扇贝疾病防治的有效方法对海湾扇贝的健康养殖十分重要。 对于贝类免疫系统来说，其血细胞在先天性免疫防御中起着重要的作用。当受到外界病原侵染时，贝类血细胞的一个重要免疫反应就是吞噬作用。在吞噬病原过程中，受到病原侵染的贝类还会产生其他多种免疫反应，这些免疫反应将消耗大量的能量（ATP），产能的呼吸链会加速运转，由此也会引发与呼吸链相耦联的活性氧（ROS）的大量产生。这些活性氧具有极强的反应特性，能破坏病原微生物的结构和功能分子，实现对入侵病原的杀灭。利用活性氧对被吞噬的病原进行杀灭，这是吞噬作用消除病原抵御侵染的重要机制。但由于活性氧分子反应的非特异性，它们也会破坏宿主机体细胞内的功能蛋白分子、不饱和脂肪酸分子和核酸等，对细胞造成严重的伤害，进而导致机体生理机能的损伤和免疫系统的破坏。所以，及时消除病原感染机体内过量产生的ROS，维持相关细胞的正常代谢，对提高机体抵抗力和免疫力具有重要的作用。O2-是生物体内产生的第一种活性氧分子，其他的活性氧分子也是由它衍生而来，消除过量O2-是消除过量活性氧危害的第一步也是关键一步。生物体内，超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）是催化O2-发生歧化反应，消除O2-的关键酶。 首先，本文通过RACE方法获得了海湾扇贝SOD家族全部三种基因的cDNA全长并对其进行了序列的生物信息学分析，海湾扇贝AiCuZnSOD全长cDNA为1047个碱基，其中开放阅读框为459个碱基，编码152个氨基酸，与栉孔扇贝Chlamys farreri的CuZnSOD相似度为77.5%，与长牡蛎Crassostrea gigas的相似度为75%，与人的相似度为74.7%。AiMnSOD全长cDNA为1207个碱基，其中开放阅读框为678个碱基，编码226个氨基酸，序列比对结果发现AiMnSOD的氨基酸序列与虾夷扇贝Mizuhopecten yessoensis和皱纹盘鲍Haliotis discus hannai的相似度分别为85%和78.4%，与哺乳动物相似度也在68%~72%之间。AiECSOD全长cDNA为893个碱基，其中开放阅读框为657个碱基，编码218个氨基酸。AiECSOD与其它物种ECSOD相似度比较低。与线虫Brugia pahangi的相似度为27.9%，与疟蚊Anopheles gambiae的相似度为31.4%，与斑马鱼Danio rerio的相似度为27.8%，与人的相似度也只有28.6%，与同是贝类的长牡蛎ECSOD也只有28.1%的相似性。主要原因是AiECSOD的信号肽和肝磷脂结合区域在各物种中无同源性。 其次，采用qRT-PCR（quantitative real time PCR）方法分析三种SOD基因在不同组织中的表达情况，结果表明三种SOD基因的组织表达有所差异。AiCuZnSOD基因在鳃中表达水平最高，其次是血细胞和性腺，在外套膜、闭壳肌和肝胰脏表达水平较低。AiMnSOD基因在鳃中表达水平最高，其次是外套膜，在血细胞、性腺，而在肝胰脏和闭壳肌表达较弱。AiECSOD基因在血细胞中表达水平最高，其次是肝胰脏，在鳃、闭壳肌表达水平较低，而性腺和外套膜没有检测到。同时，采用qRT-PCR对鳗弧菌Vibrio angullarum感染后海湾扇贝血细胞中三种SOD基因mRNA表达变化进行了检测。AiCuZnSOD表达量在各个时间段没有显著差异(P > 0.05)。AiMnSOD的表达量在1.5 h时略有下降，在3 h时达到最高表达量，是空白组（0h）的3倍(P < 0.01)，从6 h到24 h表达量逐渐下降，24 h时表达量是空白组的1.6倍，24 h到48 h又稍有升高。AiECSOD的表达量在1.5 h时有所下降，是空白组的0.3倍（P < 0.05)，随后逐渐升高，在12 h时达到最高表达量，是空白组（0h）的4.5倍（P < 0.01），从24 h到48 h表达量逐渐下降并恢复到空白组的水平。在对照组，各个时间点没有显著差异（P > 0.05）。在鳗弧菌感染后，海湾扇贝三种SOD的表达并不一致，且差异比较显著。AiCuZnSOD被认为是构成性表达基因，其受外界刺激的影响最小，AiMnSOD和AiECSOD受刺激后表达上调比较明显。 第三，采用Genome-walking的方法得到了海湾扇贝三种SOD基因的基因组全长和近端启动子序列并对其进行了相关分析。AiCuZnSOD的基因组序列全长为4279bp，包含有4个外显子和3个内含子。AiMnSOD的基因组序列全长为10692bp，包含有4个外显子和3个内含子。AiECSOD的基因组序列全长为5276bp，包含有5个外显子和4个内含子。三种基因外显子和内含子的结合处序列遵循-AT/GT-原则。我们把海湾扇贝SOD家族的三个基因的近端启动子进行了比较分析。发现三种SOD在靠近起始密码子的位置都有Oct-1结合位点。三种SOD共有的转录位点有：Oct-1、C/EBPalp、Oct2.1、Sp-1和GATA-1。AiCuZnSOD和AiMnSOD共有的转录位点有：ICSBP、Ftz、TATA-box、C/EBPbeta和Antp。AiCuZnSOD和AiECSOD共有的转录位点有：AP-1和NFκB。AiMnSOD和AiECSOD共有的转录位点有：GR和ER。AiCuZnSOD独有的位点有：SRF、YY-1和NF-1。AiMnSOD独有的位点有：HNF-1、Hb、MEB、NF-muE1、Pit-1a和Eve。AiECSOD独有的位点有：CREB、RATA-alph、Kruppel-like和AP-3。 此外，通过构建原核表达载体，本研究对AiCuZnSOD和AiECSOD基因进行了体外重组表达，并对纯化的重组蛋白进行了酶活分析。酶活分析表明，重组AiCuZnSOD蛋白有较高的酶活和稳定性。 最后，我们对海湾扇贝三种SOD基因的部分区域，包括启动子、编码区，部分内含子区域进行了SNP检测，并对SOD基因部分SNP位点多态性和鳗弧菌敏感性进行了相关分析。三种SOD基因中，我们共发现了59个SNP位点，其中AiECSOD的SNP位点最多，特别是在启动子区，AiCuZnSOD和AiMnSOD多态性较低。其中AiCuZnSOD启动子区的-1739 T-C 位点的基因型和等位基因，AiECSOD启动子区的-498 A-T和-267 G-A等位基因频率，AiECSOD的第一个外显子38 Thr-Lys的多态性在敏感和抗菌群体中存在显著差异（P < 0.05）。

Growth of eight Pacific abalone families at three temperatures

Growth rates, measured as shell length and body weight daily growth, were studied in the eight families of Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino, reared at 12, 16 and 20 degrees C for 40 d respectively. The results show that J(1)Rh family grew the best at 12 degrees C, with growth rates of (32.88 +/- 4.66) mu m/d and (5.24 +/- 1.84) mg/d. C(1)Jm family had the highest growth rates of (58.00 +/- 2.00) mu m/d and (9.71 +/- 1.21) mg/d at 16 degrees C. J(1)Jm family ranked the first at 20 degrees C, with growth rates of (66.00 +/- 1.76) mu m/d and (10.99 +/- 0.34) mg/d. RjRh family had the slowest growth rates at all three temperatures. Shell length growth rates were 18.25, 33.00 and 43.13 mu m/d respectively, while body weight growth rates were 2.47, 2.56 and 4.75 mg/d respectively. Both temperature and family had significant effect on growth rates (P<0.05). At 16 and 20 degrees C, maternal effects on growth rates were not significant (P>0.05), but paternal effects on growth rates were significant (P<0.05). Results of this study indicate genetic difference among the families and importance of selecting male breeders in the commercial hatchery.

The manganese superoxide dismutase gene in bay scallop Argopecten irradians: Cloning, 3D modelling and mRNA expression

A novel manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) was cloned from bay scallop Argopecten irradians by 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The full-length cDNA of MnSOD was of 1207 bp with a 678 bp open reading frame encoding 226 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contained a putative signal peptide of 26 amino acids. Sequence comparison showed that the MnSOD of A. irradians shared high identity with MnSOD in invertebrates and vertebrates, such as MnSOD from abalone Haliotis discus discus (ABG88843) and frog Xenopus laevis (AAQ63483). Furthermore, the 3D structure of bay scallop MnSOD was predicted by SWISS-MODEL Protein Modelling Server and compared with those of other MnSODs. The overall structure of bay scallop MnSOD was similar to those of zebrafish Danio rerio, fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis, human Homo sapiens, and had the highest similarity to scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis and abalone H. discus discus. A quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was developed to detect the mRNA expression of MnSOD in different tissues and the temporal expression in haemocytes following challenge with the bacterium Vibrio anguillarum. A higher-level of mRNA expression of MnSOD was detected in gill and mantle. The expression of MnSOD reached the highest level at 3 h post-injection with V. anguillarum and then slightly recovered from 6 to 48 h. The results indicated that bay scallop MnSOD was a constitutive and inducible protein and thus could play an important role in the immune responses against V anguillarum infection. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the potential impacts of coasteering on rocky intertidal habitats in Wales

The relatively new recreational pursuit of coasteering, which has developed in the St David's area of Pembrokeshire, appears to be expanding rapidly. The majority of local commercial recreation providers (outdoor pursuit centers etc.) now appear to offer this pursuit. The majority of the rocky coastlines where it takes place lie within Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). No assessment has yet been undertaken of coasteering's potential impact on the intertidal habitats. Therefore the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) commissioned the Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) to undertake a desk study of the likely environmental effects of coasteering on rocky intertidal habitats within the Pembrokeshire marine SAC. The desk study was based on a review of the available literature, and in particular the effects of trampling on rocky intertidal communities. Communities (as biotopes) within the Pembrokeshire marine SAC likely to be exposed to coasteering activities were identified from Phase I biotope data for the area, provided by CCW. Where possible, existing research by MarLIN into the intolerance, recoverability and sensitivity of the biotopes identified, was used to identify their potential vulnerability to trampling. The literature review revealed that: - foliose canopy forming algae (e.g. fucoids) were particularly intolerant and sensitive to trampling impacts; - trampling damaged erect coralline turfs, barnacles, and resulted in an increase in bare space; in some cases paths across the shore were visible; - on brown algae dominated shores, understorey algae could suffer due to increased desiccation but algal turf species, opportunists and gastropod grazers (e.g. limpets) could increase in abundance as an indirect effect of trampling, and that - trampling impacts resulted from physical contact and wear and were dependant on the intensity, duration, and frequency of trampling, and even the type of footwear used. A total of 19 intolerant rocky intertidal biotopes were identified as potentially vulnerable to trampling and hence coasteering within the Pembrokeshire marine SAC, of which six are of Welsh importance and eight are nationally rare or scarce. Trampling is a highly localized impact and it was not possible to identify biotopes, and hence communities, actually impacted by coasteering activities in the Pembrokeshire marine SAC. In addition, the majority of the literature addresses the impacts of trampling on wave sheltered or moderately exposed brown algal dominated shores, while coasteering occurs on more wave exposed, steeply inclined shores. Therefore, direct survey of the routes used by coasteering groups within the Pembrokeshire marine SAC is required to identify the intensity, duration and frequency of trampling impact, together with the communities impacted. Given the paucity of data concerning trampling effects in the rocky intertidal in the UK, a survey of the impacts of coasteering would provide an opportunity to examine the effects of trampling and visitor use in steep rocky, wave exposed shores. The report recognizes the potential to engage coasteerers in contributing to the development of strategies for minimizing adverse impacts, recording impacts and collecting information of use in identifying climate change and the occurrence of non-native species.

Lysosomal And Microsomal Responses To Environmental-Factors In Littorina-Littorea From Sullom-Voe

The marine gastropod Littorina littorea from four sites in the vicinity of the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal was found to display reduced cytochemically determined latency of lysosomal arylsulphatase, β-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase in comparison with snails from a nearby ‘clean’ site. This is interpreted as indicating lysosomal destabilization by environmental factors. Elevated total activities of particular lysosomal hydrolases were recorded at three of the sites in Sullom Voe. Animals from a fourth site (Swarta Taing) showed significant depression of arylsulphatase and β-glucuronidase. Cytochemically determined activity of blood cell NADPH-neotetrazolium reductase, which is a component of microsomal detoxication systems, was stimulated in these same sites in comparison with the ‘clean’ reference site. This stimulation or induction is interpreted as a response to the presence of oil-derived polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. These results are discussed in the light of previous work on the effects of hydrocarbons on lysosomes and in terms of the possible physiological consequences for the animals.

Shore height and differentials between macrobenthic assemblages in vegetated and unvegetated areas of an intertidal sandflat

Intertidal macrobenthic faunal assemblages of a dual seagrass/callianassid-structured sandflat system were investigated in subtropical Moreton Bay, Queensland. Consistently across all 20 stations, the gastropod-dominated seagrass supported greater abundance (2.5×) and species richness (2×) than the amphipod-dominated sandflat. There was no evidence of along-shore or up-shore variation in the overall assemblage properties such as total abundance, species richness or diversity within either habitat type, except for variation in sandflat abundance between sites. But seagrass and sandflat assemblages both varied significantly in composition from site to site, and seagrass assemblage composition also varied with shore height. Shore height and site, however, only accounted for ≤41% of total variation. The two faunal assemblages showed a Bray–Curtis dissimilarity of 97.7% and within-habitat similarities of <20%. There was no consistency in distribution of greater diversity, dominance or evenness. No differential between any assemblage features in adjacent sandflat and seagrass samples changed with shore height, supporting hypotheses that such differentials are not maintained by predation. Macrofaunal species richness and diversity were closely coupled within sandflat stations but were uncoupled within seagrass ones, questioning the value of diversity as a comparative measure.

Quantifying ecosystem-level consequences of ocean acidification and warming by scaling up individual level responses of a predator snail and its trophic interactions

Understanding long‐term, ecosystem‐level impacts of climate change is challenging because experimental research frequently focuses on short‐term, individual‐level impacts in isolation. We address this shortcoming first through an interdisciplinary ensemble of novel experimental techniques to investigate the impacts of 14‐month exposure to ocean acidification and warming (OAW) on the physiology, activity, predatory behaviour and susceptibility to predation of an important marine gastropod (Nucella lapillus). We simultaneously estimated the potential impacts of these global drivers on N. lapillus population dynamics and dispersal parameters. We then used these data to parameterize a dynamic bioclimatic envelope model, to investigate the consequences of OAW on the distribution of the species in the wider NE Atlantic region by 2100. The model accounts also for changes in the distribution of resources, suitable habitat and environment simulated by finely resolved biogeochemical models, under three IPCC global emissions scenarios. The experiments showed that temperature had the greatest impact on individual‐level responses, while acidification had a similarly important role in the mediation of predatory behaviour and susceptibility to predators. Changes in Nucella predatory behaviour appeared to serve as a strategy to mitigate individual‐level impacts of acidification, but the development of this response may be limited in the presence of predators. The model projected significant large‐scale changes in the distribution of Nucella by the year 2100 that were exacerbated by rising greenhouse gas emissions. These changes were spatially heterogeneous, as the degree of impact of OAW on the combination of responses considered by the model varied depending on local‐environmental conditions and resource availability. Such changes in macro‐scale distributions cannot be predicted by investigating individual‐level impacts in isolation, or by considering climate stressors separately. Scaling up the results of experimental climate change research requires approaches that account for long‐term, multiscale responses to multiple stressors, in an ecosystem context.

Scaling up experimental ocean acidification and warming research: from individuals to the ecosystem

Understanding long-term, ecosystem-level impacts of climate change is challenging because experimental research frequently focuses on short-term, individual-level impacts in isolation. We address this shortcoming first through an inter-disciplinary ensemble of novel experimental techniques to investigate the impacts of 14-month exposure to ocean acidification and warming (OAW) on the physiology, activity, predatory behaviour and susceptibility to predation of an important marine gastropod (Nucella lapillus). We simultaneously estimated the potential impacts of these global drivers on N. lapillus population dynamics and dispersal parameters. We then used these data to parameterise a dynamic bioclimatic envelope model, to investigate the consequences of OAW on the distribution of the species in the wider NE Atlantic region by 2100. The model accounts also for changes in the distribution of resources, suitable habitat and environment simulated by finely resolved biogeochemical models, under three IPCC global emissions scenarios. The experiments showed that temperature had the greatest impact on individual level responses, while acidification has a similarly important role in the mediation of predatory behaviour and susceptibility to predators. Changes in Nucella predatory behaviour appeared to serve as a strategy to mitigate individual level impacts of acidification, but the development of this response may be limited in the presence of predators. The model projected significant large-scale changes in the distribution of Nucella by the year 2100 that were exacerbated by rising greenhouse gas emissions. These changes were spatially heterogeneous, as the degree of impact of OAW on the combination of responses considered by the model varied depending on local environmental conditions and resource availability. Such changes in macro-scale distributions cannot be predicted by investigating individual level impacts in isolation, or by considering climate stressors separately. Scaling up the results of experimental climate change research requires approaches that account for long-term, multi-scale responses to multiple stressors, in an ecosystem context.

Macrofauna along the Sudanese Red Sea coast: potential effect of mangrove clearance on community and trophic structure

Mangroves along the Sudanese Red Sea coast are under constant anthropogenic pressure. To better understand the influence of mangrove clearance on the intertidal benthic community, we investigated the composition, biodiversity and standing stock of the macrofauna communities at high-, mid- and low-water levels in three contrasting habitats: a bare sand flat, a cleared mangrove and an intact mangrove. In addition, a community-wide metric approach based on taxon-specific carbon and nitrogen isotope values was used to compare the trophic structure between the three habitats. The habitats differed significantly in terms of macrofaunal standing stock, community composition and trophic structure. The high- and mid-water levels of the intact mangroves showed a distinct macrofaunal community characterized by elevated densities and biomass, largely governed by higher decapod and gastropod abundances. Diversity was similar for cleared and intact mangroves, but much lower for the bare sand flat. Community-wide metrics indicated highest trophic diversity and community niche breadth in the intact mangroves. Differences between the cleared and intact mangroves can be partly attributed to differences in sediment characteristics resulting from mangrove clearance. These results suggest a significant impact of mangrove clearance on the macrofaunal community and trophic structure. This study calls for further investigations and management actions to protect and restore these habitats, and ensure the survival of this ecologically valuable coastal ecosystem.

Scaling up experimental ocean acidification and warming research: from individuals to the ecosystem

Understanding long-term, ecosystem-level impacts of climate change is challenging because experimental research frequently focuses on short-term, individual-level impacts in isolation. We address this shortcoming first through an inter-disciplinary ensemble of novel experimental techniques to investigate the impacts of 14-month exposure to ocean acidification and warming (OAW) on the physiology, activity, predatory behaviour and susceptibility to predation of an important marine gastropod (Nucella lapillus). We simultaneously estimated the potential impacts of these global drivers on N. lapillus population dynamics and dispersal parameters. We then used these data to parameterise a dynamic bioclimatic envelope model, to investigate the consequences of OAW on the distribution of the species in the wider NE Atlantic region by 2100. The model accounts also for changes in the distribution of resources, suitable habitat and environment simulated by finely resolved biogeochemical models, under three IPCC global emissions scenarios. The experiments showed that temperature had the greatest impact on individual level responses, while acidification has a similarly important role in the mediation of predatory behaviour and susceptibility to predators. Changes in Nucella predatory behaviour appeared to serve as a strategy to mitigate individual level impacts of acidification, but the development of this response may be limited in the presence of predators. The model projected significant large-scale changes in the distribution of Nucella by the year 2100 that were exacerbated by rising greenhouse gas emissions. These changes were spatially heterogeneous, as the degree of impact of OAW on the combination of responses considered by the model varied depending on local environmental conditions and resource availability. Such changes in macro-scale distributions cannot be predicted by investigating individual level impacts in isolation, or by considering climate stressors separately. Scaling up the results of experimental climate change research requires approaches that account for long-term, multi-scale responses to multiple stressors, in an ecosystem context.