Magali Rey Campos

Verified @iim.csic.es

Genomics and Immunology

Magali Rey Campos


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https://researchid.co/magali_rey

EDUCATION

I have a degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Aquaculture. I completed my PhD in 2021 within the scope of the PhD Program "Marine Sciences, Technology and Management" at the University of Santiago de Compostela. The doctoral thesis was developed in the Immunology and Genomics Group of the Institute of Marine Research, belonging to the CSIC.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My main interest is the study of molluscan immunology. Our studies are based on omics technologies (genomics and transcriptomics), as well as molecular biology techniques (PCR and RT-PCR), cell biology such as flow cytometry and microscopy.
26

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Unveiling the specific microbiome of bivalves: insights into host microbial dynamics and pathogen interactions in a shared environment
    Miriam Muñoz-Martínez, Magalí Rey-Campos, Raquel Aranguren, Raquel Ríos-Castro, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Marine Science, 2026
    Introduction The microbiome is crucial for the health and resilience of marine species; however, in most cases its complexity and host-specific dynamics remain poorly understood. Methods This study provides a multi-year and multi-seasonal analysis of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbiomes in three ecologically important bivalves - mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ), clams ( Ruditapes philippinarum ), and cockles ( Cerastoderma edule ) – coexisting within the same coastal ecosystem in the Rı́a of Vigo (NW Spain). Results High-throughput sequencing of the V9 region of 18S rRNA and the V4 region of 16S rRNA genes revealed distinct microbiomes for each bivalve species, demonstrating significant host specificity and a stable microbial composition across seasons. Prevalent eukaryotic parasites, including Mytilicola intestinalis in mussels and trematodes such as Bucephalus minimus in cockles, were identified. Perkinsus olseni and Marteilia cochilia , protozoans associated with bivalve mortality and ecosystem disruption under environmental stress, were also detected. Endozoicomonas and Vibrio dominated the prokaryotic communities of all the three bivalves; however, species-specific bacteriomes were observed due to the presence of other distinct taxa. A meta-analysis comparing bivalve and environmental microbiomes, revealed that despite the microbial diversity in the water column and sediment, each bivalve maintained its own stable and specific microbiome, exceeding the habitat effect. We identified Vibrio, Woeseia and Lutimonas as keystone genera that shape these microbiomes through both competitive and cooperative interactions. Functional predictions suggest that mutualistic relationships enhance host health through metabolic and defensive roles, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that host identity is the primary determinant of bivalve microbiome composition, with different keystone taxa that could serve as biomarkers for ecosystem and health monitoring in Rı́a de Vigo.
  • External immune sentinels in the seawater ecosystem: the specialization of bivalve hemocytes
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Amaro Saco, Antonella Panebianco, Judit Castro, Alejandro Romero, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2026
    Immune sentinel cells in vertebrates play key roles in coordinating immune responses at the organism–environment interface. We describe a system in marine bivalves that could be analogous, with immune sentinel hemocytes (ISCs) that function on the surface of the organism but which could be specialized to act also outside the body. In bivalves, hemocytes migrate into the intervalvar cavity and surrounding seawater, where they remain viable, exhibit an immune-activated transcriptomic profile and tolerate acute infections. The key novel findings of mussel ISCs include: i) transfer between individuals, ii) apoptosis resistance, and iii) lack of allorecognition. Their transcriptomic profiles partially overlap with transmissible neoplastic hemocytes, but they retain a distinct functional immune identity. The functional characterization and visualization of ISCs in the marine ecosystem uncovers their potential for transfer between individuals. The description of this externalized immune defense system might constitute an evolutionary adaptation in marine invertebrates, advancing the understanding of population-level immunity.
  • Comparative transcriptomics reveals different grades of susceptibility to a bacterial infection in bivalves
    A. Saco, M. Rey-Campos, A. Panebianco, B. Novoa, A. Figueras
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2025
  • Identification of taurine as a resistance-associated metabolite against Aeromonas salmonicida and its protective, immune-regulatory, and microbiota-shaping effects in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
    Patricia Pereiro, Alberto Falcó, Marta Fernández-Oliver, Rocío Paladea-Rojo, Raúl Bonet-García, José Enrique Yuste, Magalí Rey-Campos, Antonio Figueras, Ricardo Mallavia, Beatriz Novoa
    Aquaculture, 2025
    Infectious diseases represent a major challenge for aquaculture, leading to substantial economic losses and compromising fish welfare. Consequently, identifying viable and environmentally sustainable solutions is a key priority for the sector. This study aimed to identify metabolic markers associated with resistance to Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida in turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus ), with the ultimate goal of incorporating resistance-associated metabolites into functional diet formulations. A comparative metabolomic analysis was performed on two full-sibling families with differing susceptibility to the pathogen, revealing a subset of metabolites with differential abundance in the head kidney or liver. Preliminary screening in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) larvae identified 5-L-glutamyl-taurine as a promising protective compound. Due to its high cost, its precursors taurine and L-glutamic acid were tested and also provided protection in zebrafish larvae infected with A. hydrophila . Dietary supplementation with 1.5 % taurine significantly increased survival in turbot challenged with A. salmonicida , yielding a 34 % higher survival rate compared to controls, despite increased bacterial loads observed at 24 h post-infection (hpi). Taurine supplementation also modulated the intestinal microbiota, reducing alpha diversity through expansion of Vibrionaceae and Marinobacteraceae . RNA-Seq analysis of head kidney and intestinal tissues suggested that taurine's protective effect may involve attenuation of the early inflammatory response, potentially minimizing tissue damage. Overall, these findings support taurine as a promising dietary supplement to enhance resistance to bacterial infections in aquaculture species. • Untargeted metabolomics identified 5-L-glutamyl-taurine as a resistance marker in turbot. • 5-L-glutamyl-taurine and its precursors, L-glutamic acid and taurine protected zebrafish larvae from A. hydrophila . • A taurine-enriched diet enhanced turbot survival despite higher A. salmonicida loads. • Taurine modulated turbot gut microbiota, reducing alpha diversity and expanding Vibrionaceae and Marinobacteraceae . • RNA-Seq suggested taurine's protective effect could involve dampening inflammation and promoting immune tolerance.
  • The mytilin gene cluster: Shedding light on the enigmatic origin of mussel dispensable genes
    Marco Gerdol, Amaro Saco, Damiano Riommi, Samuele Greco, Dona Kireta, Paolo Edomi, Magali Rey-Campos, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras, Alberto Pallavicini
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2025
    Mussels exhibit a sophisticated innate immune response characterized by many highly variable molecules responsible for recognizing and killing potential pathogenic microorganisms. The complexity of this molecular arsenal is marked by the occurrence of gene presence-absence (PAV), a phenomenon that targets numerous expanded lineage-specific gene families. This phenomenon enhances inter-individual sequence variability, further enriching the diversity of the repertoire of molecules involved in the immune response. Until now, the origin of mussel dispensable genes, which, unlike core genes, are not shared by all individuals, has remained elusive. In this study, by analyzing the resequenced genomes of more than 160 individuals in four distinct species of the Mytilus complex, we characterize the repertoire of mytilin genes encoding hemocyte-specific antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We define a canonical gene architecture comprising four protein-coding genes and two pseudogenes in most haplotypes. However, the organization of the locus displays a marked intra-specific diversity due to the presence of variable alleles, the frequent pseudogenization of mytilin G1 and structural variants associated with additional dispensable mytilin genes, which often retain features that support functional preservation. Molecular phylogeny supports an ancient origin for dispensable mytilin genes, predating the radiation of modern Mytilus species. This suggests that most widespread extant haplotypes derive from a larger and more complex ancestral mytilin gene cluster and that dispensable mytilin genes are vestigial AMPs that have been retained only in a few populations where their presence may have contributed to fitness advantages and local adaptation.
  • Transcriptomic and functional analysis of the antiviral response of mussels after a poly I:C stimulation
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Amaro Saco, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2024
    The study of mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ) has grown in importance in recent years due to their high economic value and resistance to pathogens. Because of the biological characteristics revealed by mussel genome sequencing, this species is a valuable research model. The high genomic variability and diversity, particularly in immune genes, may be responsible for their resistance to pathogens found in seawater and continuously filtered and internalized by them. These facts, combined with the lack of proven mussel susceptibility to viruses in comparison to other bivalves such as oysters, result in a lack of studies on mussel antiviral response. We used RNA-seq to examine the genomic response of mussel hemocytes after they were exposed to poly I:C, simulating immune cell contact with viral dsRNA. Apoptosis and the molecular axis IRFs/STING-IFI44/IRGC1 were identified as the two main pathways in charge of the response but we also found a modulation of lncRNAs. Finally, in order to obtain new information about the response of mussels to putative natural challenges, we used VHSV virus (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus) to run some functional analysis and confirm poly I:C's activity as an immunomodulator in a VHSV waterborne stimulation. Both, poly I:C as well as an injury stimulus (filtered sea water injection) accelerated the viral clearance by hemocytes and altered the expression of several immune genes, including IL-17, IRF1 and viperin. • Poly I:C acts as an antiviral immunostimulant in mussels, activating apoptosis pathways and IRFs/STING-IFI44/IRGC1. • The response is specific and different from that induced by a VHSV. • A network of interactions between lncRNAs and coding genes (IFI44, TRIM56, DHX40 and IRGC) has been identified. • Poly I:C enhances hemocytes' ability in removing viral particles. • Poly I:C leads changes in gene expression after a VHSV waterborne infection.
  • Trained immunity: Perspectives for disease control strategy in marine mollusc aquaculture
    Caroline Montagnani, Benjamin Morga, Beatriz Novoa, Benjamin Gourbal, Amaro Saco, Magali Rey‐Campos, Marion Bourhis, Fabien Riera, Emmanuel Vignal, Charlotte Corporeau, Guillaume M. Charrière, Marie‐Agnès Travers, Lionel Dégremont, Yannick Gueguen, Céline Cosseau, Antonio Figueras
    Reviews in Aquaculture, 2024
    Recent evidence has demonstrated the unique properties of the innate immune system, known as innate immune memory, immune priming, or trained immunity. These properties have been described as the ability of the innate immune system to learn from previous microbial experiences, which improves survival after subsequent infection. In this review, we present the state of knowledge on trained immunity in invertebrates and provide a comprehensive overview of these capabilities in cultured marine molluscs, which are currently threatened by recurrent diseases. Studies have shown that exposure to environmental microbiota, pathogens, or derived elements, can provide a stronger response and protection against future infections. These studies highlight common and distinct features of protection, mechanisms, specificity, and duration that vary with immune markers, and methods of stimulation. While the cellular and molecular basis of these responses is only partially understood, effects on phagocytosis, haemocyte populations, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and immune gene expression have been suggested. Finally, we propose a framework for future research to go beyond the current evidence and address potential limitations in the implementation of trained immunity‐based strategies to control disease. Immune training may provide a unique opportunity to promote the sustainable development of marine mollusc aquaculture.
  • Transcriptomic analysis of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) treated with zymosan a reveals that lncRNAs and inflammation-related genes mediate the protection conferred against Aeromonas salmonicida
    Alejandro Romero, Magalí Rey-Campos, Patricia Pereiro, Marta Librán-Pérez, Antonio Figueras, Beatriz Novoa
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2024
    Aeromonas salmonicida is one of the most harmful pathogens in finfish aquaculture worldwide. Immunostimulants such as β-glucans are used to enhance the immunity of cultured fish. However, their effects on fish physiology are not completely understood. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of zymosan A on fish survival against A. salmonicida infection. A single administration of this compound protected fish against A. salmonicida challenge and reduce the bacterial load in the head kidney one week after its administration. Transcriptome analyses of head kidney samples revealed several molecular mechanisms involved in the protection conferred by zymosan A and their regulation by long noncoding RNAs. The transcriptome profile of turbot exposed only to zymosan A was practically unaltered one week after ip injection. However, the administration of this immunostimulant induced significant transcriptomic changes once the fish were in contact with the bacteria and increased the survival of the infected turbot. Our results suggest that the restraint of the infection-induced inflammatory response, the management of apoptotic cell death, cell plasticity and cellular processes involving cytoskeleton dynamics support the protective effects of zymosan A. All this information provides insights on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effects of this widely used immunostimulant.
  • AG5 is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immune regulator that preserves innate immunity
    Pablo Botella-Asunción, Eva M. Rivero-Buceta, Carla Vidaurre-Agut, Raquel Lama, Magalí Rey-Campos, Alejandro Moreno, Laura Mendoza, Patricia Mingo-Casas, Estela Escribano-Romero, Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan, Juan Carlos Saiz, Cristian Smerdou, Gloria Gonzalez, Felipe Prosper, Josepmaría Argemí, Jesus San Miguel, Pedro J. Sanchez-Cordón, Antonio Figueras, Jose Manuel Quesada-Gomez, Beatriz Novoa, María Montoya, Miguel A. Martín-Acebes, Antonio Pineda-Lucena, Jose María Benlloch
    Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 2023
    An archetypal anti-inflammatory compound against cytokine storm would inhibit it without suppressing the innate immune response. AG5, an anti-inflammatory compound, has been developed as synthetic derivative of andrographolide, which is highly absorbable and presents low toxicity. We found that the mechanism of action of AG5 is through the inhibition of caspase-1. Interestingly, we show with in vitro generated human monocyte derived dendritic cells that AG5 preserves innate immune response. AG5 minimizes inflammatory response in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury and exhibits in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy in the SARS-CoV-2-infected mouse model. AG5 opens up a new class of anti-inflammatories, since contrary to NSAIDs, AG5 is able to inhibit the cytokine storm, like dexamethasone, but, unlike corticosteroids, preserves adequately the innate immunity. This is critical at the early stages of any naïve infection, but particularly in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Furthermore, AG5 showed interesting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in humanized mice.
  • Gene presence/absence variation in Mytilus galloprovincialis and its implications in gene expression and adaptation
    Amaro Saco, Magalí Rey-Campos, Cristian Gallardo-Escárate, Marco Gerdol, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Iscience, 2023
    . The objective of the present study was to further our understanding of the PAV phenomenon in mussel biology. The distribution of PAV was studied in a mussel chromosome-level genome assembly, revealing a widespread distribution but with hotspots of dispensability. Special attention was given to the effect of PAV in gene expression, since dispensable genes were found to be inherently subject to distortions due to their sparse distribution among individuals. Furthermore, the high expression and strong tissue specificity of some dispensable genes, such as myticins, strongly supported their biological relevance. The significant differences in the repertoire of dispensable genes associated with two geographically distinct populations suggest that PAV is involved in local adaptation. Overall, the PAV phenomenon would provide a key selective advantage at the population level.
  • Mytilus galloprovincialis releases immunologically functional haemocytes to the intervalvar space in response to tissue injury and infection
    A. Panebianco, M. Rey-Campos, A. Romero, A.P. Diz, B. Novoa, A. Figueras
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2023
  • Mussel antiviral transcriptome response and elimination of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV)
    Amaro Saco, Magalí Rey-Campos, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2023
  • An environmentally relevant concentration of antibiotics impairs the immune system of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and increases susceptibility to virus infection
    Patricia Pereiro, Magalí Rey-Campos, Antonio Figueras, Beatriz Novoa
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2023
  • Metatranscriptomics unmasks Mollusca virome with a remarkable presence of rhabdovirus in cephalopods
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Luis Daniel González-Vázquez, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023
  • Exploring the Potential of Metatranscriptomics to Describe Microbial Communities and Their Effects in Molluscs
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Raquel Ríos-Castro, Cristian Gallardo-Escárate, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022
  • Wastewater and marine bioindicators surveillance to anticipate COVID-19 prevalence and to explore SARS-CoV-2 diversity by next generation sequencing: One-year study
    Beatriz Novoa, Raquel Ríos-Castro, Irene Otero-Muras, Susana Gouveia, Adrián Cabo, Amaro Saco, Magalí Rey-Campos, Manuel Pájaro, Noelia Fajar, Raquel Aranguren, Alejandro Romero, Antonella Panebianco, Lorena Valdés, Pedro Payo, Antonio A. Alonso, Antonio Figueras, Claudio Cameselle
    Science of the Total Environment, 2022
  • The Evolution and Diversity of Interleukin-17 Highlight an Expansion in Marine Invertebrates and Its Conserved Role in Mucosal Immunity
    Amaro Saco, Magalí Rey-Campos, Umberto Rosani, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2021
  • Comparative genomics reveals 13 different isoforms of mytimycins (A-M) in mytilus galloprovincialis
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Beatriz Novoa, Alberto Pallavicini, Marco Gerdol, Antonio Figueras
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021
  • Stimulation of Mytilus galloprovincialis Hemocytes With Different Immune Challenges Induces Differential Transcriptomic, miRNomic, and Functional Responses
    Rebeca Moreira, Alejandro Romero, Magalí Rey-Campos, Patricia Pereiro, Umberto Rosani, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2020
  • Transcriptomic Response of Mussel Gills After a Vibrio splendidus Infection Demonstrates Their Role in the Immune Response
    Amaro Saco, Magalí Rey-Campos, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2020
  • Immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1) and dimethyl itaconate are involved in the mussel immune response
    M. Sendra, A. Saco, M. Rey-Campos, B. Novoa, A. Figueras
    Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2020
  • Comparative genomics reveals a significant sequence variability of myticin genes in mytilus galloprovincialis
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Beatriz Novoa, Alberto Pallavicini, Marco Gerdol, Antonio Figueras
    Biomolecules, 2020
  • Transcriptomic analysis reveals the wound healing activity of Mussel Myticin C
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Rebeca Moreira, Alejandro Romero, Regla M. Medina-Gali, Beatriz Novoa, María Gasset, Antonio Figueras
    Biomolecules, 2020
  • High individual variability in the transcriptomic response of Mediterranean mussels to Vibrio reveals the involvement of myticins in tissue injury
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Rebeca Moreira, Valentina Valenzuela-Muñoz, Cristian Gallardo-Escárate, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Scientific Reports, 2019
  • Immune tolerance in Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocytes after repeated contact with vibrio splendidus
    Magalí Rey-Campos, Rebeca Moreira, Marco Gerdol, Alberto Pallavicini, Beatriz Novoa, Antonio Figueras
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2019
  • Cytogenomic analysis of several repetitive DNA elements in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
    Xoana Taboada, Magalí Rey, Carmen Bouza, Ana Viñas
    Gene, 2018