Antarctic organisms in relation to rising seawater temperature, exploring immunological responses of Trematomus bernacchii

ABSTRACT: During the past decades, the climate has undergone multiple transformations, with rising temperatures becoming one of the most important issues affecting marine ecosystems. Even the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic continent are not safe from these changes, and the increase in water temperatures is a major concern for the scientific community. This research aimed to analyse the physiological responses of the Antarctic fish species Trematomus bernacchii to rising seawater temperatures. Specifically, we focused on how its immune system can adjust its responses when facing higher-than-normal temperatures. We conducted experiments to investigate the expression levels of four different immune-related genes, igm, igt, trl2, and trl9, in the liver and spleen, the primary organs generating immune responses. Our study involved the analysis of adult specimens of T. bernacchii, sampled from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea), experimentally exposed to a temperature range from 0°C to +3°C. The results were compared with a control group maintained at a constant temperature of 0°C. This research provides valuable insights into the adaptive potential of the immunological systems of Antarctic fish in response to global warming. These findings can help address the Antarctic ecosystem's conservation challenges and unique species.