Animal Science and Zoology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Environmental Science, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
86
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
From metabolites to tissues: A comprehensive analysis of salinity-driven modulation of tetracycline effects in Mytilus galloprovincialis Marta Cunha, Alessio Lenzi, Constança Figueiredo, Lucia De Marchi, Carla Leite, Tania Russo, Gianfranca Monni, Valentina Meucci, Amadeu M.V.M. Soares, Gianluca Polese, Eduarda Pereira, Carlo Pretti, Rosa Freitas Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2026 Environmental salinity shifts, intensified by climate change, can influence the toxicity of pollutants such as antibiotics in marine organisms. In this study, specimens of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis were exposed for 28 days to three salinity levels (20, 30, and 40) in the presence or absence of tetracycline (1 mg/L). At the end of the exposure period, the effects were evaluated using an integrated metabolomic, biochemical, and histopathological approach. TC bioaccumulation did not differ significantly across salinities, indicating that biological effects were driven by stressor interactions rather than uptake. Metabolomic profiling showed that salinity and salinity-TC combinations had stronger impacts than TC alone. At salinity 20, mussels exhibited early oxidative stress and metabolic adjustments, along with tissue atrophy and lipofuscin buildup. Mussels at salinity 30 displayed relative physiological stability despite moderate histological changes under TC. In contrast, salinity 40 caused severe cellular damage, including membrane remodeling, lipid peroxidation, depleted antioxidants, and neurotoxic responses. The integrated multi-level analysis revealed coordinated stress responses involving oxidative stress, altered energy metabolism, and detoxification. Overall, these findings highlight salinity 30 as the optimal condition for M. galloprovincialis and emphasize the synergistic effects of climate-driven salinity changes and antibiotic pollution, underscoring the need to account for abiotic stressors in ecotoxicological assessments. • Salinity modulates tetracycline (TC) toxicity in Mytilus galloprovincialis . • Metabolomics revealed disrupted energy and amino acid metabolism under TC exposure. • Stress salinity exacerbated mussels’ metabolism in the presence of TC. • High salinity intensified oxidative damage and neurotoxic effects due to TC • Histopathology showed gills and digestive gland damage. • Integrated analysis revealed synergistic stressor effects.
Formulated Diets Drive Gonadal Maturity but Reduce Larval Success in Paracentrotus lividus Bruno Pinto, Maissa Gharbi, Serena Federico, Francesca Glaviano, Enea Tentoni, Tania Russo, Anna Di Cosmo, Gianluca Polese, Maria Costantini, Valerio Zupo Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2026 Over the past few decades, demand for sea urchin roe has risen, while wild sea urchin populations have declined. This trend has increased interest in aquaculture techniques and the development of formulated feeds to support ecological restoration and research. Here, we examined the effects of a high-protein formulated feed on gonad development in Paracentrotus lividus, compared to fresh feeds (maize and spinach), across three replicated tanks. We assessed gonad maturation, gamete viability, and larval development, and developed a new histopathological index applicable to both sexes. Formulated feed significantly enhanced gonad maturation, increased gamete production, and led to heavier gonads with higher gonadosomatic indices compared to fresh feeds, which were insufficient to promote maturation within four weeks. Notably, no histological alterations were observed in the gonads. Fertilization trials showed that embryos were produced, but none reached the pluteus stage, indicating decreased embryo viability. Although the formulated feed improved gonad development, it adversely affected water quality, increasing nutrient concentrations and lowering pH. Overall, these findings suggest that high-protein formulated feeds could potentially improve aquaculture production by enhancing gonad maturation and gamete output, but additional measures may be needed to support complete larval development.
Heatwaves Affect the Gonadal Maturation of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus Amalia Amato, Tania Russo, Davide Caramiello, Alberto Macina, Anna Di Cosmo, Gianluca Polese, Valerio Zupo, Maria Costantini Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2025 Climate-induced ocean warming poses a major threat to marine invertebrate reproduction, including the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, a species of considerable ecological, economic, and scientific interest. Its gonads, highly valued as a culinary delicacy, support local fisheries and aquaculture industries, making reproductive health a critical factor for both conservation and commercial viability. The present study reported the effects of elevated seawater temperatures, mimicking marine heatwave (MHW) conditions, on gonadal maturation and fertilization success on P. lividus. Here, adult specimens at the mature stage of gametogenesis were exposed to control (18 °C) and elevated temperature regimes (24 °C) over a six-week period, and key reproductive metrics were assessed, including histological analysis. Morphological analysis showed very evident gonadal retraction, nearly devoid of germ cells, both for males and females, with a significant decrease in the gonadal index. In addition, histological analysis revealed consistent damage to the gonads, with a significantly increase in histopathological index in specimens kept at 24 °C. These findings reinforce the temperature sensitivity of P. lividus reproduction, suggesting that recurrent heatwaves could severely impair its reproductive output and population dynamics with potential cascading effects on benthic community structure in a long-term ocean warming predicted to intensify.
Emergent pollutants, escalating pressures: GenX effects on mussels in a changing environment Claudio Bortot, Marta Cunha, Tania Russo, Carla Leite, Amadeu M.V.M. Soares, Gianluca Polese, Gianfranco Santovito, Rosa Freitas Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent pollutants with rising concern due to their stability and toxicity. The production of novel PFAS with shorter carbon chains in the environment raises concerns related to their stability and their potential toxicity in organisms. This study examines the effects of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid ammonium (HFPO-DA, or GenX) on the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis under different salinity conditions. Mussels were exposed to environmentally relevant HFPO-DA concentrations, and multiple biomarkers were assessed: these include oxidative stress responses and damages, as well as neurotoxicity and histological damages. Results show that salinity strongly modulates toxicity: hyposaline conditions activated robust antioxidant defenses and increased respiration, while intermediate and high salinities led to greater metabolic disruption and cellular damage. At the highest concentration of HFPO-DA at intermediate salinities, mussels favored non-enzymatic antioxidant responses over enzymatic activity. These findings reveal a complex interplay between salinity and PFAS toxicity and underscore the need to integrate environmental variability into ecotoxicological risk assessments. Therefore, both climate change and PFAS pollution in estuarine ecosystems require urgent, context-sensitive mitigation strategies.
Stress Induced by Fishing in Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and Relative Impact on Its Use as an Experimental Model Valeria Maselli, Mariangela Norcia, Bruno Pinto, Emanuela Cirillo, Gianluca Polese, Anna Di Cosmo Animals, 2025 The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), among coleoid cephalopods, has evolved the most complex nervous system and sophisticated behaviors. Historically, O. vulgaris was a key animal model for neurophysiology research, and today, it is studied for its genomic innovations. However, unlike other models, there is no octopus farming for research, so specimens must be collected from the wild. This study assessed the impact of fishing on octopuses used in research, considering those caught using artisanal pots in the ‘Regno di Nettuno’ Marine Protected Area, Ischia (NA). To evaluate fishing stress, we identified morphological stress indicators such as chromatophore pattern and posture, and three potential molecular markers, estrogen receptor (ER), catalase (CAT), and heat shock protein (HSP70). We measured the percentage of stress signals shown by fished specimens and analyzed their differential gene expression. The transcriptional levels of octopuses caught using traps were compared to control specimens acclimated in captivity. Results indicated fluctuations in gene expression due to fishing stress. These findings suggest that an acclimation period after the stress event of fishing is crucial for ensuring the welfare of octopuses used in research, thus enhancing the quality of physiological and ethological studies.
Salinity modulation of neodymium and dysprosium toxicity in mussels: A comprehensive analysis of adult and sperm responses Carla Leite, Tania Russo, Gianluca Polese, Amadeu M.V.M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas Science of the Total Environment, 2025 Neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy) are among the most commonly used rare earth elements (REEs) worldwide, leading to their increased concentrations in aquatic environments, with potential impacts on organisms. Additionally, organisms are also subjected to environmental stressors, such as salinity shifts, which can not only directly impact their health but also modulate the impacts of contaminants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nd and Dy on adult mussels and sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis after 28 days and 30 min of exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the study assessed how salinity shifts influence the effects of these elements. To this end, histopathological and biochemical alterations were evaluated in adults, while biochemical and physiological changes were analyzed in sperm. To simplify data interpretation and understand the overall impact of each treatment, Multidimensional Scaling Analysis (MDS) and the Integrated Biological Index (IBR) were used. The MDS analysis identified three groups that were consistent with the IBR score. The first group, composed of the treatments at a salinity of 40, showed medium to severe effects. The second group was comprised of the treatments at control salinity (30), which presented the lowest IBR scores, indicating the least impact. The third group, which included the treatments at a salinity of 20, was associated with the most severe impacts, with Dy and Nd presenting the highest IBR scores. The results showed that salinity was the most predominant factor in this study, with the lower salinity being the most harmful. In addition, within each salinity level, Dy was the element that induced the highest response in this species. This study provides valuable information regarding the impacts of the interaction between REEs and salinity shifts, highlighting the importance of such research in mitigating the effects of pollution and climate change on marine ecosystems.
Extraocular Photoreception in Optic Lobes, Suckers, and Skin of Octopus vulgaris Valeria Maselli, Al‐Soudy Al‐Sayed, Mariangela Norcia, Stefania Galdiero, Sara Palladino, Emanuela Cirillo, Gianluca Polese, Anna Di Cosmo Integrative Zoology, 2025 Coleoid cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes have advanced light‐sensing systems crucial for visual perception and survival. Previously, it has been demonstrated that the skin of coleoids contains transcripts encoding rhodopsin and retinochrome, exhibiting a dermal light sense. Moreover, chromatophores in the mantle skin of Octopus bimaculoides expand in response to light when completely isolated from the central nervous system and eyes. In our study combining morphology, gene expression, molecular evolution, 3D modeling of protein structures, and phylogenetic analysis, we demonstrated the presence of photosensitive pigment transcripts in Octopus vulgaris, not only in eyes and skin but also in suckers and even optic lobes. In particular, for the first time, the RNA expression of Ov‐Rhodopsin, Ov‐retinochrome, and Ov‐GRK1 was found and quantified in the skin and also localized in different sucker types and the optic lobes. The obtained results suggest that suckers act as extraocular organs. Each of the approximately 1000 suckers contributes to the distributed light perception system, collectively acquiring environmental information that could support eye vision. Our findings could explain octopuses’ extraordinary ability to camouflage. Furthermore, the optic lobes, which are part of the central nervous system, could be directly involved in light detection, in addition to their role in the integration of sensory information.
Trophic organization of the benthic communities off the South Italian coasts: A review with a modelistic approach Bruno Pinto, Davide Bonsignori, Francesco Aliberti, Elvira Brunelli, Federica Carraturo, Maria Carmela Cerra, Paolo D'Ambrosio, Anna Di Cosmo, Alfonsina Gattuso, Marco Guida, Maria Assunta Iovine, Giovanni Libralato, Marialuisa Lusito, Valeria Maselli, Antonio Nappo, Paola Nieri, Gianluca Polese, Giuseppe Trotta, Maria Costantini, Valerio Zupo Science of the Total Environment, 2024
Effects of the Interaction of Salinity and Rare Earth Elements on the Health of Mytilus galloprovincialis: The Case of Praseodymium and Europium Carla Leite, Tania Russo, Gianluca Polese, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas Journal of Xenobiotics, 2024 The growing use of products containing rare earth elements (REEs) may lead to higher environmental emissions of these elements, which can potentially enter aquatic systems. Praseodymium (Pr) and europium (Eu) are widely used REEs with various applications. However, their ecotoxicological impacts remain largely unexplored, with poorly understood risks to wildlife. Moreover, organisms also face environmental stressors like salinity fluctuations, and the nature of the interaction between salinity variations and contaminants is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of salinity shifts on the impacts of Pr and Eu on adult mussels and the sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis after 28 days and 30 min of exposure, respectively. To do so, biochemical and histopathological alterations were evaluated in adults, while biochemical and physiological changes were analysed in sperm. Additionally, the Integrated Biological Index (IBR) was calculated to understand the overall impact of each treatment. The results showed that adult mussels were most affected when exposed to the combination of high salinity and each element, which altered the behaviour of defence mechanisms causing redox imbalance and cellular damage. On the other hand, sperm demonstrated sensitivity to specific REE-salinity combinations, particularly Pr at lower salinity and Eu at higher salinity. These specific treatments elicited changes in sperm motility and velocity: Pr 20 led to a higher production of O2− and a decrease in velocity, while Eu 40 resulted in reduced motility and an increase in irregular movement. At both lower and higher salinity levels, exposure to Eu caused similar sensitivities in adults and sperm, reflected by comparable IBR scores. In contrast, Pr exposure induced greater alterations in sperm than in adult mussels at lower salinity, whereas the reverse was observed at higher salinity. These findings suggest that reproductive success and population dynamics could be modulated by interactions between salinity levels and REE pollution, highlighting the need for further investigation into how REEs and environmental factors interact. This study offers valuable insights to inform policymakers about the potential risks of REE contamination, emphasising the importance of implementing environmental regulations and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of these pollutants.
Rare earth elements and warming: Implications for adult mussel health and sperm quality Carla Leite, Tania Russo, Alessia Cuccaro, João Pinto, Gianluca Polese, Amadeu M.V.M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas Marine Environmental Research, 2024 The present study aimed to investigate the effects of europium (Eu) exposure (10 μg/L), warming (a 4 °C increase), and their combination on Mytilus galloprovincialis. Biochemical and histopathological changes in adult mussels were evaluated after a 28-day exposure period. Additionally, biochemical and physiological alterations in sperm were measured following a 30-min exposure period. The overall responses to each treatment were assessed using the Integrated Biological Response index version 2 (IBRv2). In adult mussels, warming elevated metabolism and activated glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), leading to redox imbalance and cellular damage. Europium exposure alone slightly enhanced metabolism and GSTs activity, resulting in cellular damage and histopathological injuries in digestive tubules. The combined exposure to Eu and warming was the most detrimental treatment for adults, as indicated by the highest IBRv2 value. This treatment slightly increased metabolism and uniquely elevated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as GSTs and carboxylesterases. Despite these responses, they were inadequate to prevent redox imbalance, cellular damage, and histopathological injuries in digestive tubules and gills. Regarding sperm, warming reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production but raised lipid peroxidation levels. Sperm exposed to this treatment also increased their oxygen consumption and exhibited reduced velocity. The IBRv2 indicated that Eu was the most harmful treatment for sperm, significantly increasing ROS production and notably decreasing sperm velocity. When combined with warming, Eu elevated superoxide anion (O2-) production, lowered sperm velocity, and increased oxygen consumption. This study underscores the importance of investigating the effects of rare earth elements and their interaction with climate change-related factors.
Hormones and reproductive cycles in anuran amphibians Rakesh K. Rastogi, Claudia Pinelli, Gianluca Polese, Biagio D'Aniello, Gabriella Chieffi-Baccari Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates Volume 2 Amphibians Second Edition, 2024
Past, present, and future trends in octopus research Rui Rosa, Catarina P. Santos, Francisco Borges, Piero Amodio, Michael Amor, John R. Bower, Roy L. Caldwell, Anna Di Cosmo, Melanie Court, Graziano Fiorito, Camino Gestal, Ángel F. González, Ángel Guerra, Roger T. Hanlon, Jennifer K.K. Hofmeister, Christian M. Ibáñez, Yuzuru Ikeda, Pamela Imperadore, Juergen G. Kommritz, Michael Kuba, Karina C. Hall, Zdenek Lajbner, Tatiana S. Leite, Vanessa M. Lopes, Unai Markaida, Natalie A. Moltschaniwskyj, Jaruwat Nabhitabhata, Nicolas Ortiz, Eve Otjacques, Federica Pizzulli, Giovanna Ponte, Gianluca Polese, Francesca Raffini, Carlos Rosas, Álvaro Roura, Eduardo Sampaio, Susumu Segawa, Oleg Simakov, Ignacio Sobrino, Lorena Pia Storero, Janet R. Voight, Becky L. Williams, Xiaodong Zheng, Graham J. Pierce, Roger Villanueva, Ian G. Gleadall Octopus Biology and Ecology, 2024
MicroRNAs are deeply linked to the emergence of the complex octopus brain Grygoriy Zolotarov, Bastian Fromm, Ivano Legnini, Salah Ayoub, Gianluca Polese, Valeria Maselli, Peter J. Chabot, Jakob Vinther, Ruth Styfhals, Eve Seuntjens, Anna Di Cosmo, Kevin J. Peterson, Nikolaus Rajewsky Science Advances, 2022
TASTE AND SMELL: A UNIFYING CHEMOSENSORY THEORY Ernesto Mollo, Ferdinando Boero, Josep Peñuelas, Angelo Fontana, Mary J. Garson, Vassilios Roussis, Carlo Cerrano, Gianluca Polese, Alberto Maria Cattaneo, I Wayan Mudianta, Gregory Genta-Jouve, Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati, Giovanni Appendino, Pietro Amodeo, Michael T. Ghiselin Quarterly Review of Biology, 2022
HUMAN BIO-MONITORING AND BIO-INDICATORS FOR HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED TO CHRONIC EXPOSURES IN HIGH RADON CONCENTRATION ENVIRONMENTS: A REVIEW Radionuclides Properties Behavior and Potential Health Effects, 2020
Fishing for targets of alien metabolites: A novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist from a marine pest Rosa Vitale, Enrico D'Aniello, Stefania Gorbi, Andrea Martella, Cristoforo Silvestri, Maria Giuliani, Tariq Fellous, Alessandra Gentile, Marianna Carbone, Adele Cutignano, Laura Grauso, Laura Magliozzi, Gianluca Polese, Biagio D'Aniello, Fanny Defranoux, Serena Felline, Antonio Terlizzi, Antonio Calignano, Francesco Regoli, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Pietro Amodeo, Ernesto Mollo Marine Drugs, 2018
Volatile secondary metabolites as aposematic olfactory signals and defensive weapons in aquatic environments Giuseppe Giordano, Marianna Carbone, Maria Letizia Ciavatta, Eleonora Silvano, Margherita Gavagnin, Mary J. Garson, Karen L. Cheney, I Wayan Mudianta, Giovanni Fulvio Russo, Guido Villani, Laura Magliozzi, Gianluca Polese, Christian Zidorn, Adele Cutignano, Angelo Fontana, Michael T. Ghiselin, Ernesto Mollo Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2017
Cephalopods meet neuroecology: The role of chemoreception in Octopus vulgaris reproductive behaviour Neuroecology and Neuroethology in Molluscs the Interface Between Behaviour and Environment, 2014
A neuroplastic network underlying behaviour and seasonal change in Lymnaea stagnalis: A neuroecological standpoint Neuroecology and Neuroethology in Molluscs the Interface Between Behaviour and Environment, 2014
The blue lizard spandrel and the island syndrome Pasquale Raia, Fabio M Guarino, Mimmo Turano, Gianluca Polese, Daniela Rippa, Francesco Carotenuto, Daria M Monti, Manuela Cardi, Domenico Fulgione BMC Evolutionary Biology, 2010
Thyroid status can influence brain mast cell population Gabriella Chieffi Baccari, Rossella Monteforte, Claudia Pinelli, Alessandra Santillo, Gianluca Polese, Rakesh K. Rastogi Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2009
