Proteomic Analysis Is Needed to Understand the Vulnerability of Bunodosoma cavernatum Sea Anemones to Climate Change.

Abstract

Sea anemones play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Recent studies have highlighted their physiological and ecological responses to thermal stress. Therefore, our objective was to perform a proteomic analysis of Bunodosoma cavernatum sea anemones in the Gulf of Mexico, subjected to thermal stress, to understand whether these organisms activate specific processes to resist increased temperature. We submitted one group of sea anemones to variable temperatures (26 to 32 °C) and another group to a constant temperature (28 °C) for 1.5 months. Then we subjected them to thermal stress (32 °C) for 2 weeks. We evaluated the enzymatic activity and proteome in the columns and tentacles. The main effect of the temperature regime change is a reduction in mass. Also, sea anemones synthesized proteins related to the activation of the immune system and protection against temperature. We observed decreased peroxidase activity, while superoxide dismutase activity was higher only in the constant temperature group. On the basis of these data, we deduce that B. cavernatum sea anemones are vulnerable to climate change because they stop producing toxins in their tentacles when faced with thermal stress and activate cellular responses that make them susceptible to pathogens. These responses are not sufficient to guarantee an optimal health state.