Design of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) functional specific cDNA microarray and its ecotoxicological application

Utilizing ecotoxicological and functional genomics technologies,a functional specific cDNA microarray of marine medaka(Oryzias melastigma) was designed and constructed in this study.The microarray contained 180 genes classified into eight functional categories,disruption,xenobiotics detoxification,hypoxia,oxidative stress responses,apoptosis,growth and gametogenesis,sex determination and gonad differentiation,as well as reproductive hormones.Upon exposure of marine medaka adult fishes to normal circumstances or low oxygen tension for 12 weeks,changes in gene expression in the liver and ovary were investigated using a self-made cDNA microarray.The results indicated that nine and six genes expressing the difference were detected in the liver and the ovary,respectively,when the medaka was under low oxygen tension,which clearly indicated that this self-made chip could effectively acquire the gene expression profile.The application of high-quality gene arrays provides a good foundation for developing novel and commercially available products for ecotoxicological risk assessment.Additionally,the results of this study may help elucidate the action mechanisms of toxicants.