Overview on the European green crab Carcinus spp. (Portunidae, Decapoda), one of the most famous marine invaders and ecotoxicological models

The role of the carapace in the accumulation of metals from seawater in the green crab (Carcinus maenas): Studies with radio-labeled calcium, zinc, and nickel

The role of the carapace in the uptake and storage of newly accumulated metals was investigated in the green crab exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of calcium ([Ca] = 389 mg L-1 or 9.7 mmol L-1), zinc ([Zn] = 82 μg L-1 or 1.25 μmol L-1), and nickel ([Ni] = 8.2 μg L-1 or 0.14 μmol L-1) in 12 °C seawater, using radio-tracers (45Ca, 65Zn, 63Ni). After 24-h exposure, carapace exhibited the highest concentration of newly accumulated Ca, whereas carapace and gills exhibited the highest concentrations of both newly accumulated Zn and Ni relative to other tissues. For all three metals, the carapace accounted for >85 % of the total body burden. Acute temperature changes (to 2 °C and 22 °C) revealed the highest overall temperature coefficient Q10 (2.15) for Ca uptake into the carapace, intermediate Q10 for Ni (1.87) and lowest Q10 (1.45) for Zn. New Ca uptake into the carapace continued linearly with time for 24 h, new Zn uptake gradually deviated from linearity, whereas Ni uptake reached a plateau by 6 h. Attachment of a rubber membrane to the dorsal carapace, thereby shielding about 20 % of the total crab surface area from the external water, eliminated both new Zn and Ni incorporation into the shielded carapace, whereas 36 % of new Ca incorporation persisted. When recently euthanized crabs were exposed, new Zn uptake into the carapace remained unchanged, whereas Ca and Ni uptake were reduced by 89 % and 71 %, respectively. We conclude that the carapace is a very important uptake and storage site for all three metals. All of the uptake of new Zn and new Ni, and most of the uptake of new Ca into this tissue comes directly from the external water. For Zn, the mechanism involves only physicochemical processes, whereas for Ca and Ni, life-dependent processes make the major contribution.

Phylogenetic and transcriptomic characterization of insulin and growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases in crustaceans

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) mediate the actions of growth factors in metazoans. In decapod crustaceans, RTKs are implicated in various physiological processes, such molting and growth, limb regeneration, reproduction and sexual differentiation, and innate immunity. RTKs are organized into two main types: insulin receptors (InsRs) and growth factor receptors, which include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). The identities of crustacean RTK genes are incomplete. A phylogenetic analysis of the CrusTome transcriptome database, which included all major crustacean taxa, showed that RTK sequences segregated into receptor clades representing InsR (72 sequences), EGFR (228 sequences), FGFR (129 sequences), and PDGFR/VEGFR (PVR; 235 sequences). These four receptor families were distinguished by the domain organization of the extracellular N-terminal region and motif sequences in the protein kinase catalytic domain in the C-terminus or the ligand-binding domain in the N-terminus. EGFR1 formed a single monophyletic group, while the other RTK sequences were divided into subclades, designated InsR1-3, FGFR1-3, and PVR1-2. In decapods, isoforms within the RTK subclades were common. InsRs were characterized by leucine-rich repeat, furin-like cysteine-rich, and fibronectin type 3 domains in the N-terminus. EGFRs had leucine-rich repeat, furin-like cysteine-rich, and growth factor IV domains. N-terminal regions of FGFR1 had one to three immunoglobulin-like domains, whereas FGFR2 had a cadherin tandem repeat domain. PVRs had between two and five immunoglobulin-like domains. A classification nomenclature of the four RTK classes, based on phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignments, is proposed.

The Impacts of the Multispecies Approach to Caffeine on Marine Invertebrates

Caffeine is one of the most consumed substances by humans through foodstuffs (coffee, tea, drugs, etc.). Its human consumption releases a high quantity of caffeine into the hydrological network. Thus, caffeine is now considered an emergent pollutant sometimes found at high concentrations in oceans and seas. Surprisingly, little research has been conducted on the molecular responses induced by caffeine in marine organisms. We studied, in laboratory conditions, six phylogenetically distant species that perform distinct ecological functions (Actinia equina and Aulactinia verrucosa (cnidarians, predator), Littorina littorea (gastropod, grazer), Magallana gigas (bivalve, filter-feeder), and Carcinus maenas and Pachygrapsus marmoratus (crabs, predator and scavenger)) subjected to caffeine exposure. The antioxidant responses (catalase, CAT; glutathione peroxidase, GPx; superoxide dismutase, SOD), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were estimated when the organisms were exposed to environmental caffeine concentrations (5 μg/L (low), 10 μg/L (high)) over 14 days. Differential levels of responses and caffeine effects were noted in the marine invertebrates, probably in relation to their capacity to metabolization the pollutant. Surprisingly, the filter feeder (M. gigas, oyster) did not show enzymatic responses or lipid peroxidation for the two caffeine concentrations tested. The marine gastropod (grazer) appeared to be more impacted by caffeine, with an increase in activities for all antioxidative enzymes (CAT, GPx, SOD). In parallel, the two cnidarians and two crabs were less affected by the caffeine contaminations. However, caffeine was revealed as a neurotoxic agent to all species studied, inducing high inhibition of AChE activity. This study provides new insights into the sublethal impacts of caffeine at environmentally relevant concentrations in marine invertebrates.

Waterborne amino acids: uptake and functional roles in aquatic animals

Dissolved organic matter is a ubiquitous component of freshwater and marine environments, and includes small nutrient molecules, such as amino acids, which may be available for uptake by aquatic biota. Epithelial transporters, including cotransporters, uniporters and antiporters, facilitate the absorption of dissolved amino acids (often against concentration gradients). Although there is a lack of mechanistic and molecular characterization of such transporters, pathways for the direct uptake of amino acids from the water appear to exist in a wide range of marine phyla, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Nemertea, Annelida, Echinodermata, Arthropoda and Chordata. In these animals, absorbed amino acids have several putative roles, including osmoregulation, hypoxia tolerance, shell formation and metabolism. Therefore, amino acids dissolved in the water may play an important, but overlooked, role in aquatic animal nutrition.

Invasive investigation: uptake and transport of l-leucine in the gill epithelium of crustaceans

Many aquatic species are well known as extremely successful invaders. The green crab (Carcinus maenas) is an arthropod native to European waters; however, it is now known to be a globally invasive species. Recently, it was discovered that the C. maenas could transport nutrients in the form of amino acids across their gill from the surrounding environment, a feat previously thought to be impossible in arthropods. We compared the ability for branchial amino acid transport of crustacean's native to Canadian Pacific waters to that of the invasive C. maenas, determining if this was a novel pathway in an extremely successful invasive species, or a shared trait among crustaceans. Active transport of l-leucine was exhibited in C. maenas, Metacarcinus gracilis, Metacarcinus magister, and Cancer productus across their gill epithelia. Carcinus maenas exhibited the highest maximum rate of branchial l-leucine transport at 53.7 ± 6.24 nmolg-1 h-1, over twice the rate of two native Canadian crustaceans. We also examined the influence of feeding, gill specificity, and organ accumulation of l-leucine. Feeding events displayed a heavy influence on the branchial transport rate of amino acids, increasing l-leucine transport rates by up to 10-fold in C. maenas. l-leucine displayed a significantly higher accumulation rate in the gills of C. maenas compared to the rest of the body at 4.15 ± 0.78 nmolg-1 h-1, with the stomach, hepatopancreas, eyestalks, muscle tissue, carapace and heart muscle exhibiting accumulation under 0.15 nmolg-1 h-1. For the first time, the novel transport of amino acids in Canadian native arthropods is described, suggesting that branchial amino acid transport is a shared trait among arthropods, contrary to existing literature. Further investigation is required to determine the influence of environmental temperature and salinity on transport in each species to outline any competitive advantages of the invasive C. maenas in a fluctuating estuarine environment.

Exercise and emersion in air and recovery in seawater in the green crab (Carcinus maenas): Effects on nitrogenous wastes and branchial chamber fluid chemistry

At low tide, the green crab, which is capable of breathing air, may leave the water and walk on the foreshore, carrying branchial chamber fluid (BCF). N-waste metabolism was examined in crabs at rest in seawater (32 ppt, 13°C), and during 18-h recovery in seawater after 1 h of exhaustive exercise (0.25 BL s^-1 ) on a treadmill in air (20°C-23°C), or 1 h of quiet emersion in air. Measurements were made in parallel to O₂ consumption (ṀO₂ ), acid-base, cardio-respiratory, and ion data reported previously. At rest, the ammonia-N excretion rate (Ṁ_Amm  = 44 µmol-N kg^-1  h^-1 ) and ammonia quotient (AQ; Ṁ_Amm /ṀO₂  = 0.088) were low for a carnivore. Immediately after exercise and return to seawater, Ṁ_Amm increased by 65-fold above control rates. After emersion alone and return to seawater, Ṁ_Amm increased by 17-fold. These ammonia-N bursts were greater, but transient relative to longer-lasting elevations in ṀO₂ , resulting in temporal disturbances of AQ. Intermittent excretion of urea-N and urate-N at rest and during recovery indicated the metabolic importance of these N-wastes. Hemolymph glutamate, glutamine, and PNH₃ did not change. Hemolymph ammonia-N, urea-N, and urate-N concentrations increased after exercise and more moderately after emersion, with urate-N exhibiting the largest absolute increments, and urea-N the longest-lasting elevations. All three N-wastes were present in the BCF, with ammonia-N and PNH₃ far above hemolymph levels even at rest. BCF volume declined by 34% postemersion and 77% postexercise, with little change in osmolality but large increases in ammonia-N concentrations. Neither rapid flushing of stored BCF nor clearance of hemolymph ammonia-N could explain the surges in Ṁ_Amm after return to seawater.

How the green crab Carcinus maenas copes physiologically with a range of salinities

To evaluate the physiological ability to adjust to environmental variations of salinity, Carcinus maenas were maintained in 10, 20, 32 (control), 40, and 50 ppt (13.8 ± 0.6 °C) for 7 days. Closed respirometry systems were used to evaluate oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]), ammonia excretion (Jamm), urea-N excretion (Jurea-N) and diffusive water fluxes (with ³H₂O). Ions, osmolality, metabolites, and acid-base status were determined in the hemolymph and seawater, and transepithelial potential (TEP) was measured. At the lowest salinity, there were marked increases in [Formula: see text] and Jamm, greater reliance on N-containing fuels to support aerobic metabolism, and a state of internal metabolic alkalosis (increased [HCO₃^-]) despite lower seawater pH. At higher salinities, an activation of anaerobic metabolism and a state of metabolic acidosis (decreased [HCO₃^-] and increased [lactate]), in combination with respiratory compensation (decreased PCO₂), were detected. TEP became more negative with decreasing salinity. Osmoregulation and osmoconformation occurred at low and high salinities, respectively, with complex patterns in individual ions; hemolymph [Mg²⁺] was particularly well regulated at levels well below the external seawater at all salinities. Diffusive water flux rates increased at higher salinities. Our results show that C. maenas exhibits wide plasticity of physiological responses when acclimated to different salinities and tolerates substantial disturbances of physiological parameters, illustrating that this species is well adapted to invade and survive in diverse habitats.

Exercise and emersion in air, and recovery in seawater in the green crab (Carcinus maenas): metabolic, acid-base, cardio-ventilatory, and ionoregulatory responses

In nature, the green crab exhibits emersion and terrestrial activity at low tide. Treadmill exercise in air (20-23°C) of crabs acclimated to 32ppt seawater (13°C) revealed an inverse relationship between velocity and duration: 2.0 BL sec−1sustainable for several minutes, and 0.25 BL sec−1 for long periods. Fatigue was not due to dehydration. Physiological responses over 18-h recovery in seawater after near-exhaustive exercise (0.25 BL sec−1, 1h) in air were compared with responses after quiet emersion (1h) in air. Exercising crabs exhibited transient scaphognathite slowing and progressive increases in heart rate, whereas emersed crabs exhibited persistent inhibition of ventilation and transient heart slowing. Upon return to seawater, all these rates increased above both control and treatment levels. Post-exercise disturbances were more marked and/or longer lasting (e.g. EPOC, hyperventilation, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis, lactate elevation, ionic disturbances) than those after simple air exposure. However, an increase in net acidic equivalent excretion to the environment occurred after emersion but not after exercise. Instead, post-exercise crabs relied on carapace buffering, signaled by elevated haemolymph Ca2+ and Mg2+. Prolonged lowering of haemolymph PCO2 associated with hyperventilation also played a key role in acid-base recovery. EPOC after exercise was 3-fold greater than after emersion, sufficient to support control M˙O2for>14h. This reflected clearance of a large lactate load, likely by glycogen re-synthesis rather than oxidation. We conclude that the amphibious green crab uses a combination of aquatic and terrestrial strategies to support exercise in air, emersion in air, and recovery in seawater.

Lead in the marine environment: concentrations and effects on invertebrates

Lead (Pb) is a non-essential metal naturally present in the environment and often complexed with other elements (e.g., copper, selenium, zinc). This metal has been used since ancient Egypt and its extraction has grown in the last centuries. It has been used until recently as a fuel additive and is currently used in the production of vehicle batteries, paint, and plumbing. Marine ecosystems are sinks of terrestrial contaminations; consequently, lead is detected in oceans and seas. Furthermore, lead is not biodegradable. It remains in soil, atmosphere, and water inducing multiple negative impacts on marine invertebrates (key species in trophic chain) disturbing ecological ecosystems. This review established our knowledge on lead accumulation and its effects on marine invertebrates (Annelida, Cnidaria, Crustacea, Echinodermata, and Mollusca). Lead may affect different stages of development from fertilization to larval development and can also lead to disturbance in reproduction and mortality. Furthermore, we discussed changes in the seawater chemistry due to Ocean Acidification, which can affect the solubility, speciation, and distribution of the lead, increasing potentially its toxicity to marine invertebrates.

Fatty acid ratio analysis identifies changes in competent meroplanktonic larvae sampled over different supply events

Planktonic communities are a cornerstone of ocean food webs. Early benthic performance of meroplanktonic organisms is shaped by their life stages in planktonic communities. Fatty acid profiles of marine invertebrates are a good indicator of their nutritional state and allow inferring how dietary regimes experienced during larval pelagic life may drive their pre- and post-metamorphosis performance. Fatty acid profiles of Carcinus maenas megalopae were analysed during four larval supply events in two consecutive years to better understand the variability in their nutritional state at settlement. The logratio analysis of fatty acids showed differences between the four larval supply events, with five ratios explaining 83.1% of the variance. The ratios that contributed to separate larval supply events presented a combination of essential, de novo synthetized and diet origin fatty acids (e.g., phytanate/20:4 n-6, 16:0/18:2 n-4). The high fatty acid signature dispersion found within the same supply event suggests that larvae settling at Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) developed through different planktonic feeding zones and experienced contrasting feeding regimes. The fatty acid profile of megalopae demonstrated a high contribution of diatoms, flagellates and bacteria in the larval diet of C. maenas. The present study demonstrated differences between supply events, although a high variability of larval phenotypes was recorded within the same supply event.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their methoxylated congeners in Douro river estuary biota: Seasonal occurrence and risk assessment

Especially added on many industrial and domestic products as flame retardants (FRs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are among the chemicals of high environmental concern because of their potential harmfulness for environmental and human health. Seafood consumption is considered the main source of PBDEs and their methoxylated congeners (MeO-BDEs) for humans. The present study aims to investigate the seasonal occurrence of six PBDEs and eight MeO-BDEs congeners using Douro river biota (different trophic levels) as sentinels, as well as to evaluate the human exposure risk to PBDEs through seafood consumption. Biota samples (n = 273) were collected from one of the most important Portuguese estuaries in the north-western coast of Portugal at four different seasons (2019-2020). The analyses were performed by an environmental-friendly extraction procedure followed by Gas Chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole detector (GC-MS/MS). PBDEs were detected in all seafood samples analysed, with means ranging from 0.02 ng g^-1 ww (flounder in autumn) to 3.75 ng g^-1 ww (mussel in winter). Levels of lower-brominated PBDE congeners were significantly higher than higher-brominated ones in all seasons (p < 0.01). MeO-BDEs ranged from 0.001 ng g^-1 ww (grey mullet in summer) to 5.66 ng g^-1 ww (green crab in spring). Crabs and mussels presented the highest means of PBDEs and MeO-BDEs. Regarding the health risk assessment of the studied PBDE congeners (47, 99, and 153), consumption of Douro river fish is not a case of concern for consumers.

Symbionts of invasive and native crabs, in Argentina: The most recently invaded area on the Southwestern Atlantic coastline

Biological invasions have the capacity to introduce non-native parasites. This study aimed to determine whether the invasive green crab population, Carcinus spp., on the Southwestern Atlantic coast of Argentina harbours any symbionts, and whether these may spillover or spillback between native crabs, Cyrtograpsus altimanus and C. angulatus. Macroscopy, histology, and molecular analyses of some parasites were used to describe and compare their diversity across the three species of crab. We also evaluated the susceptibility of invasive Carcinus spp. to a native digenean, Maritrema madrynense, via experimental infections (exposure and cohabitation). Our results revealed that the green crab pathobiome included similar symbiotic groups to native crabs. This included putative viral, bacterial, and protozoan parasites. Haplosporidium-like observations were recorded in all crab species, and a single green crab was found to be parasitized by an Agmasoma-like microsporidium. Metagenomic analysis of one individual revealed additional symbiotic diversity (46 bacteria, 5 eukaryotic species). The green crabs were infected by more microparasite taxa than the native crabs (5:3). Wild populations of Carcinus spp. were free of metazoan parasites and are shown not to be susceptible to M. madryense under experimental conditions. Our results suggest a reduction/escape of macroparasites (trematode Maritrema madrynense; acanthocephalan Profilicollis chasmagnathi) in invasive Carcinus spp. compared to their native competitors.

Do predators have a role to play in wetland ecosystem functioning? An experimental study in New England salt marshes

The historical ecological paradigm of wetland ecosystems emphasized the role of physical or "bottom-up" factors in maintaining functions and services. However, recent studies have shown that the loss of predators in coastal salt marshes can lead to a significant reduction in wetland extent due to overgrazing of vegetation by herbivores. Such studies indicate that consumers or "top-down" factors may play a much larger role in the maintenance of wetland ecosystems than was previously thought. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether altering top-down control by manipulating the presence of predators can lead to measurable changes in salt marsh ecosystem properties. Between May and August of 2015 and 2016, we established exclosure and enclosure cages within three New England coastal wetland areas and manipulated the presence of green crab predators to assess how they and their fiddler and purple marsh crab prey affect changes in ecosystem properties. Predator presence was associated with changes in soil nitrogen and aboveground biomass at two of the three field sites, though the magnitude and direction of these effects varied from site to site. Further, path analysis results indicate that across field sites, a combination of bottom-up and top-down factors influenced changes in measured variables. These results challenge the growing consensus that consumers have strong effects, indicating instead that predator impacts may be highly context-dependent.

Effects of climate variability on an estuarine green crab Carcinus maenas population

The increase in frequency and intensity of extreme climate events over the last few decades has been leading to profound changes in estuarine and marine ecosystems worldwide, with strong implications for the species inhabiting these ecosystems as well as for the services provided by them. In this study, we analysed the effects of climate variability on the temporal and spatial variations in population dynamics of the green crab Carcinus maenas in the Mondego estuary (Portugal), between 2003 and 2018. In this 15-year period, a greater recruitment of C. maenas was observed during drought periods, periods which was matched by an increase in secondary production. Ontogenic stage segregation was also observed, with juveniles being found mainly in the further upriver areas of the estuary. The estuarine population was mainly composed of the green morphotype, with the orange and red morphotypes present in more downstream areas of the estuary. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed high spatial and temporal variability of C. maenas in the estuary which was related with environmental changes over the 15-year period. A correlation between C. maenas biological features and several local-scale (salinity and river runoff) and large-scale (North Atlantic Oscillation index and Eastern Atlantic pattern) environmental variables was identified through cumulative sums analysis (CUSUM), indicating a strong environmental control on C. maenas population dynamics. This paper shows the importance of relatively long-term datasets to unravel the effects of extreme weather events due to climate change on key epibenthic estuarine species, and also how they might cope with a changing marine environment.

Stem cells of aquatic invertebrates as an advanced tool for assessing ecotoxicological impacts

Environmental stressors are assessed through methods that quantify their impacts on a wide range of metrics including species density, growth rates, reproduction, behaviour and physiology, as on host-pathogen interactions and immunocompetence. Environmental stress may induce additional sublethal effects, like mutations and epigenetic signatures affecting offspring via germline mediated transgenerational inheritance, shaping phenotypic plasticity, increasing disease susceptibility, tissue pathologies, changes in social behaviour and biological invasions. The growing diversity of pollutants released into aquatic environments requires the development of a reliable, standardised and 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research) compliant in vitro toolbox. The tools have to be in line with REACH regulation 1907/2006/EC, aiming to improve strategies for potential ecotoxicological risks assessment and monitoring of chemicals threatening human health and aquatic environments. Aquatic invertebrates' adult stem cells (ASCs) are numerous and can be pluripotent, as illustrated by high regeneration ability documented in many of these taxa. This is of further importance as in many aquatic invertebrate taxa, ASCs are able to differentiate into germ cells. Here we propose that ASCs from key aquatic invertebrates may be harnessed for applicable and standardised new tests in ecotoxicology. As part of this approach, a battery of modern techniques and endpoints are proposed to be tested for their ability to correctly identify environmental stresses posed by emerging contaminants in aquatic environments. Consequently, we briefly describe the current status of the available toxicity testing and biota-based monitoring strategies in aquatic environmental ecotoxicology and highlight some of the associated open issues such as replicability, consistency and reliability in the outcomes, for understanding and assessing the impacts of various chemicals on organisms and on the entire aquatic environment. Following this, we describe the benefits of aquatic invertebrate ASC-based tools for better addressing ecotoxicological questions, along with the current obstacles and possible overhaul approaches.

Physiological basis of interactive responses to temperature and salinity in coastal marine invertebrate: Implications for responses to warming

Developing physiological mechanistic models to predict species' responses to climate-driven environmental variables remains a key endeavor in ecology. Such approaches are challenging, because they require linking physiological processes with fitness and contraction or expansion in species' distributions. We explore those links for coastal marine species, occurring in regions of freshwater influence (ROFIs) and exposed to changes in temperature and salinity. First, we evaluated the effect of temperature on hemolymph osmolality and on the expression of genes relevant for osmoregulation in larvae of the shore crab Carcinus maenas. We then discuss and develop a hypothetical model linking osmoregulation, fitness, and species expansion/contraction toward or away from ROFIs. In C. maenas, high temperature led to a threefold increase in the capacity to osmoregulate in the first and last larval stages (i.e., those more likely to experience low salinities). This result matched the known pattern of survival for larval stages where the negative effect of low salinity on survival is mitigated at high temperatures (abbreviated as TMLS). Because gene expression levels did not change at low salinity nor at high temperatures, we hypothesize that the increase in osmoregulatory capacity (OC) at high temperature should involve post-translational processes. Further analysis of data suggested that TMLS occurs in C. maenas larvae due to the combination of increased osmoregulation (a physiological mechanism) and a reduced developmental period (a phenological mechanisms) when exposed to high temperatures. Based on information from the literature, we propose a model for C. maenas and other coastal species showing the contribution of osmoregulation and phenological mechanisms toward changes in range distribution under coastal warming. In species where the OC increases with temperature (e.g., C. maenas larvae), osmoregulation should contribute toward expansion if temperature increases; by contrast in those species where osmoregulation is weaker at high temperature, the contribution should be toward range contraction.

The Neurobiology of Ocean Change - insights from decapod crustaceans

The unprecedented rate of carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere has led to increased warming, acidification and oxygen depletion in the world's oceans, with projected impacts also on ocean salinity. In this perspective article, we highlight potential impacts of these factors on neuronal responses in decapod crustaceans. Decapod crustaceans comprise more than 8,800 marine species which have colonized a wide range of habitats that are particularly affected by global ocean change, including estuarine, intertidal, and coastal areas. Many decapod species have large economic value and high ecological importance because of their global invasive potential and impact on local ecosystems. Global warming has already led to considerable changes in decapod species' behavior and habitat range. Relatively little is known about how the decapod nervous system, which is the ultimate driver of all behaviors, copes with environmental stressors. We use select examples to summarize current findings and evaluate the impact of current and expected environmental changes. While data indicate a surprising robustness against stressors like temperature and pH, we find that only a handful of species have been studied and long-term effects on neuronal activity remain mostly unknown. A further conclusion is that the combined effects of multiple stressors are understudied. We call for greater research efforts towards long-term effects on neuronal physiology and expansion of cross-species comparisons to address these issues.

Mycosis is a Disease State Encountered Rarely in Shore Crabs, Carcinus maenas

There is a paucity of knowledge regarding the diversity and impact(s) of disease-causing fungi in marine animals, especially shellfish. In efforts to address this knowledge gap for the shore crab Carcinus maenas, a year-long disease screen was carried out across two sites in Swansea Bay (Wales, UK) with a view to characterising putative fungal infections. Crabs were sampled between November 2017 and October 2018, and screened systematically for disease signatures using haemolymph (blood) preparations, targeted PCR and tissue histopathology. Strikingly, mycosis was confirmed in ~0.4% of total crabs tested (n = 1191) and restricted to one location only (Mumbles Pier). Clinical infections were observed in four out of four infected crabs. In these animals, the gills and hepatopancreas were congested with fungal morphotypes. In addition, some evidence indicates haemocyte (immune cell) reactivity toward the fungi. Phylogenetic placement of the partial internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) gene regions amplified from three mycotic crabs revealed the causative agent to be related to hypocrealean fungi, thereby representing a novel species.

Hypoxia attenuate ionic transport in the isolated gill epithelium of Carcinus maenas

The gills are osmorespiratory organs of aquatic organisms and the prime target of environmentally induced hypoxia. We have studied the impact of severe hypoxia (0.5 mg O₂/L) on the ionic transport across posterior gills of Carcinus maenas acclimated to 12 ppt seawater (DSW). The short-circuit current (Isc) across hemilamellae from gills i.e. active ion transport was studied in micro Ussing chambers. Hypoxia induced by deoxygenation of the basolateral side, and not the apical side, resulted in time-dependent inhibition of Isc and full recovery of Isc after reoxygenation. Exposure of the crabs to severe 7 h hypoxia decreased the specific activity of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in the gills by 36%. Full recovery of enzyme activity occurred in fasted crabs after 3 days of reoxygenation. The intensity of Western blotting bands was not different in the gills of oxygenated, hypoxic and reoxygenated crabs. The reversible, nonspecific blocker of K⁺ channels Cs and hypoxia inhibited over 90% of Isc which is after reoxygenation fully recovered. The specific blocker of Cl^- channels NPPB [5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid] blocked Isc by 68.5%. Only the rest of not inhibited Isc in aerated saline was blocked by hypoxia and recovered after reoxygenation. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase was not changed during hypoxia and reoxygenation kept the high enzyme activity in the gills at the level of crabs acclimated to DSW. As a response to hypoxia the presence of 2 mM H₂O₂ induce an initial slight transient decrease of Isc followed by a rise and after reoxygenation fully recovered Isc. Incubation of hemilamellae with the antioxidant derivative Trolox did not affect the inhibition of Isc by hypoxia.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Green Crab Hydrolysates Derived by Commercially Available Enzymes

The predation and burrowing activity of invasive green crabs have had detrimental effects on important marine resources and habitats. Our objective is to develop bioactive hydrolysates by enzymatic proteolysis of underutilized green crab. Mechanically separated mince was hydrolyzed with Alcalase, Protamex, Flavourzyme, and Papain (1%) for 60 min. Subsequently, the hydrolysates were introduced to a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. Selected samples were fractionated by ultrafiltration, and their anti-hyperglycemic effects including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities and glucagon-like 1 (GLP-1) secretory activity were evaluated. The Protamex treatment showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 1.38 ± 0.19 mg/mL) compared to other enzyme treatments and the crab mince control, and its α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 11.02 ± 0.69 mg/mL) was lower than its α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Its GLP-1 secretory activity was approximately four times higher than the positive control (10 mM glutamine). The <3 kD fraction contributed significantly to the anti-hyperglycemic activity of Protamex-derived hydrolysates, and this activity was stable after simulated digestion. Our results suggest that green crab hydrolysates obtained by Protamex treatment have the potential for type 2 diabetes management and could be incorporated in food products as a health-promoting ingredient.

Life History and Population Dynamics of Green Crabs (Carcinus maenas)

Carcinus maenas (the “shore crab” or “European green crab”) is a very proficient invader (considered to be one of the world’s 100 worst invaders by the IUCN) due to its phenotypic plasticity, wide temperature and salinity tolerance, and an extensive omnivorous diet. Native to Atlantic Europe, it has established two well-studied nonindigenous populations in the northwestern Atlantic and northeastern Pacific and less-studied populations in Australia, Argentina and South Africa. Green crabs are eurythermal and euryhaline as adults, but they are limited to temperate coastlines due to more restrictive temperature requirements for breeding and larval development. They cannot tolerate wave-swept open shores so are found in wave-protected sheltered bays, estuaries and harbors. Carcinus maenas has been the subject of numerous papers, with over 1000 published in the past decade. This review provides an up-to-date account of the current published information on the life history and population dynamics of this very important species, including genetic differentiation, habitat preferences, physical parameter tolerances, reproduction and larval development, sizes of crabs, densities of populations, sex ratios, ecosystem dynamics and ecological impacts in the various established global populations of green crabs.

Spatial and temporal disease dynamics of the parasite Hematodinium sp. in shore crabs, Carcinus maenas

Background

The parasitic dinoflagellates of the genus Hematodinium represent the causative agent of so-called bitter or pink crab disease in a broad range of shellfish taxa. Outbreaks of Hematodinium-associated disease can devastate local fishing and aquaculture efforts. The goal of our study was to examine the potential role of the common shore (green) crab Carcinus maenas as a reservoir for Hematodinium. Carcinus maenas is native to all shores of the UK and Ireland and the North East Atlantic but has been introduced to, and subsequently invaded waters of, the USA, South Africa and Australia. This species is notable for its capacity to harbour a range of micro- and macro-parasites, and therefore may act as a vector for disease transfer.

Methods

Over a 12-month period, we interrogated 1191 crabs across two distinct locations (intertidal pier, semi-closed dock) in Swansea Bay (Wales, UK) for the presence and severity of Hematodinium in the haemolymph, gills, hepatopancreas and surrounding waters (eDNA) using PCR-based methods, haemolymph preparations and histopathology.

Results

Overall, 13.6% were Hematodinium-positive via PCR and confirmed via tissue examination. Only a small difference was observed between locations with 14.4% and 12.8% infected crabs in the Dock and Pier, respectively. Binomial logistic regression models revealed seasonality (P < 0.002) and sex (P < 0.001) to be significant factors in Hematodinium detection with peak infection recorded in spring (March to May). Male crabs overall were more likely to be infected. Phylogenetic analyses of the partial ITS and 18S rRNA gene regions of Hematodinium amplified from crabs determined the causative agent to be the host generalist Hematodinium sp., which blights several valuable crustaceans in the UK alone, including edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) and langoustines (Nephrops norvegicus).

Conclusions

Shore crabs were infected with the host generalist parasite Hematodinium sp. in each location tested, thereby enabling the parasite to persist in an environment shared with commercially important shellfish.

Potential of recovered proteins from invasive green crabs (Carcinus maenas) as a functional food ingredient

BACKGROUND

Invasive green crabs contain high-quality proteins that have potential as functional ingredients in formulated foods. This study evaluated the functional properties and compositional characteristics of green crab proteins recovered by isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP).

RESULTS

Mechanically separated green crab mince (control) was solubilized at pH 2 (PP2) and pH 10 (PP10), then proteins were precipitated at pH 5.5 and subsequently dried. Yield of recovered protein powder was approximately 1.5 times higher for PP2 than for PP10. Compared with the control (230 g kg^-1 ), ash content was reduced in PP2 (54 g kg^-1 ) and PP10 (23 g kg^-1 ) samples. PP2 contained predominantly large-molecular-weight proteins, while small-molecular-weight proteins were distributed in PP10. With regard to functional properties, at pH 7 and 8, solubility of PP10 was significantly higher than that of PP2. At pH 7.5, PP10 exhibited significantly higher emulsifying activity (1482 m² g^-1 ) than PP2 (858 m² g^-1 ) and the control (958 m² g^-1 ). PP2 showed statistically higher gelation activity and had higher L* value than PP10 and the control.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that recovered green crab proteins have functional properties potentially useful for formulated foods, and that these functional properties can be modified by the solubilization pH during the recovery process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cadmium bioaccumulates after acute exposure but has no effect on locomotion or shelter-seeking behaviour in the invasive green shore crab (Carcinus maenas)

Cadmium (Cd²⁺) is a non-essential metal ubiquitous in the environment due to industrial processes. However, little is known regarding the ability of Cd²⁺ to impact the behaviour of aquatic animals in receiving environments. Green shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) were exposed to waterborne Cd²⁺ [control (no Cd²⁺), low (0.30 μmol/L), medium (3.3 μmol/L) and high (63 μmol/L)], for 24 h, then, crabs were placed in an open field and shelter test to determine potential changes in locomotion and preference for shelter. Tissues (gill, haemolymph, stomatogastric ganglion) were taken for bioaccumulation analysis of Cd²⁺ and ion content. Behavioural testing was recorded with a motion-tracking software system and showed no impact of Cd²⁺ on any variable in either of the tests used. All three tissues accumulated Cd²⁺ in a concentration-dependent manner. Crabs exposed to low Cd²⁺ showed a small but significant decrease in haemolymph Ca²⁺, however, this effect was not present at higher Cd²⁺ exposures. Overall, the results indicate that short-term Cd²⁺ exposure, and the resulting Cd²⁺ accumulation, had no effect on locomotor and anxiety-related behaviour of green shore crabs.

Paralysis and heart failure precede ion balance disruption in heat-stressed European green crabs

Acute exposure of ectotherms to critically high temperatures causes injury and death, and this mortality has been associated with a number of physiological perturbations including impaired oxygen transport, loss of ion and water homeostasis, and neuronal failure. It is difficult to discern which of these factors, if any, is the proximate cause of heat injury because, for example, loss of ion homeostasis can impair neuromuscular function (including cardiac function), and conversely impaired oxygen transport reduces ATP supply and can thus reduce ion transport capacity. In this study we investigated if heat stress causes a loss of ion homeostasis in marine crabs and examined if such loss is related to heart failure. We held crabs (Carcinus maenas) at temperatures just below their critical thermal maximum and measured extracellular (hemolymph) and intracellular (muscle) ion concentrations over time. Analysis of Arrhenius plots for heart rates during heating ramps revealed a breakpoint temperature below which heart rate increased with temperature, and above which heart rate declined until complete cardiac failure. As hypothesised, heat stress reduced the Nernst equilibrium potentials of both K⁺ and Na⁺, likely causing a depolarization of the membrane potential. To examine whether this loss of ion balance was likely to cause disruption of neuromuscular function, we exposed crabs to the same temperatures, but this time measured ion concentrations at the individual-specific times of complete paralysis (from which the crabs never recovered), and at the time of cardiac failure. Loss of ion balance was observed only after both paralysis and complete heart failure had occurred; indicating that the loss of neuromuscular function is not caused by a loss of ion homeostasis. Instead we suggest that the observed loss of ion balance may be linked to tissue damage related to heat death.

Effects of salinity on short-term waterborne zinc uptake, accumulation and sub-lethal toxicity in the green shore crab (Carcinus maenas)

Waterborne zinc (Zn) is known to cause toxicity to freshwater animals primarily by disrupting calcium (Ca) homeostasis during acute exposure, but its effects in marine and estuarine animals are not well characterized. The present study investigated the effects of salinity on short-term Zn accumulation and sub-lethal toxicity in the euryhaline green shore crab, Carcinus maenas. The kinetic and pharmacological properties of short-term branchial Zn uptake were also examined. Green crabs (n=10) were exposed to control (no added Zn) and 50μM (3.25mgL(-1)) of waterborne Zn (∼25% of 96h LC50 in 100 seawater) for 96h at 3 different salinity regimes (100%, 60% and 20% seawater). Exposure to waterborne Zn increased tissue-specific Zn accumulation across different salinities. However, the maximum accumulation occurred in 20% seawater and no difference was recorded between 60% and 100% seawater. Gills appeared to be the primary site of Zn accumulation, since the accumulation was significantly higher in the gills relative to the hepatopancreas, haemolymph and muscle. Waterborne Zn exposure induced a slight increase in haemolymph osmolality and chloride levels irrespective of salinity. In contrast, Zn exposure elicited marked increases in both haemolymph and gill Ca levels, and these changes were more pronounced in 20% seawater relative to that in 60% or 100% seawater. An in vitro gill perfusion technique was used to examine the characteristics of short-term (1-4h) branchial Zn uptake over an exposure concentration range of 3-12μM (200-800μgL(-1)). The rate of short-term branchial Zn uptake did not change significantly after 2h, and no difference was recorded in the rate of uptake between the anterior (respiratory) and posterior (ion transporting) gills. The in vitro branchial Zn uptake occurred in a concentration-dependent manner across different salinities. However, the rate of uptake was consistently higher in 20% seawater relative to 60% or 100% seawater - similar to the trend observed with tissue Zn accumulation during in vivo exposure. The short-term branchial Zn uptake was found to be inhibited by lanthanum (a blocker of voltage-independent Ca channels), suggesting that branchial Zn uptake occurs via the Ca transporting pathways, at least in part. Overall, our findings indicate that acute exposure to waterborne Zn leads to the disruption of Zn and Ca homeostasis in green crab, and these effects are exacerbated at the lower salinity.

Expansion of the neuropeptidome of the globally invasive marine crab Carcinus maenas

Carcinus maenas is widely recognized as one of the world's most successful marine invasive species; its success as an invader is due largely to its ability to thrive under varied environmental conditions. The physiological/behavioral control systems that allow C. maenas to adapt to new environments are undoubtedly under hormonal control, the largest single class of hormones being peptides. While numerous studies have focused on identifying native C. maenas peptides, none has taken advantage of mining transcriptome shotgun assembly (TSA) sequence data, a strategy proven highly successful for peptide discovery in other crustaceans. Here, a C. maenas peptidome was predicted via in silico transcriptome mining. Thirty-seven peptide families were searched for in the extant TSA database, with transcripts encoding precursors for 29 groups identified. The pre/preprohormones deduced from the identified sequences allowed for the prediction of 263 distinct mature peptides, 193 of which are new discoveries for C. maenas. The predicted peptides include isoforms of adipokinetic hormone-corazonin-like peptide, allatostatin A, allatostatin B, allatostatin C, bursicon, CCHamide, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone, diuretic hormone 31, diuretic hormone 44, eclosion hormone, FMRFamide-like peptide, HIGSLYRamide, intocin, leucokinin, myosuppressin, neuroparsin, neuropeptide F, orcokinin, pigment dispersing hormone, proctolin, pyrokinin, red pigment concentrating hormone, RYamide, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, and tachykinin-related peptide. This peptidome is the largest predicted from any single crustacean using the in silico approach, and provides a platform for investigating peptidergic signaling in C. maenas, including control of the processes that allow for its success as a global marine invader.

Neuroendocrine disruption in the shore crab Carcinus maenas: Effects of serotonin and fluoxetine on chh- and mih-gene expression, glycaemia and ecdysteroid levels

Serotonin, a highly conserved neurotransmitter, controls many biological functions in vertebrates, but also in invertebrates. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, are commonly used in human medication to ease depression by affecting serotonin levels. Their residues and metabolites can be detected in the aquatic environment and its biota. They may also alter serotonin levels in aquatic invertebrates, thereby perturbing physiological functions. To investigate whether such perturbations can indeed be expected, shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) were injected either with serotonin, fluoxetine or a combination of both. Dose-dependent effects of fluoxetine ranging from 250 to 750nM were investigated. Gene expression of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (chh) as well as moult inhibiting hormone (mih) was assessed by RT-qPCR at 2h and 12h after injection. Glucose and ecdysteroid levels in the haemolymph were monitored in regular intervals until 12h. Serotonin led to a rapid increase of chh and mih expression. On the contrary, fluoxetine only affected chh and mih expression after several hours, but kept expression levels significantly elevated. Correspondingly, serotonin rapidly increased glycaemia, which returned to normal or below normal levels after 12h. Fluoxetine, however, resulted in a persistent low-level increase of glycaemia, notably during the period when negative feedback regulation reduced glycaemia in the serotonin treated animals. Ecdysteroid levels were significantly decreased by serotonin and fluoxetine, with the latter showing less pronounced and less rapid, but longer lasting effects. Impacts of fluoxetine on glycaemia and ecdysteroids were mostly observed at higher doses (500 and 750nM) and affected principally the response dynamics, but not the amplitude of glycaemia and ecdysteroid-levels. These results suggest that psychoactive drugs are able to disrupt neuroendocrine control in decapod crustaceans, as they interfere with the normal regulation of the serotonergic system.

Using environmental proteomics to assess pollutant response of Carcinus maenas along the Tunisian coast

Biochemical responses to pollutants were studied at four Tunisia littoral sites using Carcinus maenas as a bioindicator. Proteomic analysis was used to assess the global impact of complex pollution mixtures, and to provide new biomarkers and basic insights into pollutant toxicity. Metal contents and metallothionein levels followed a gradient based on sampling sites: Bizerte ≫ Teboulba > Gargour~Mahres. Approximately 900 and 700 spots were resolved in digestive glands and gills, respectively. Gills from Bizerte animals had the maximum number of altered spots, mostly upregulated. In other locations, the number of altered spots in gills decreased in parallel to total metals in in the following order: Teboulba > Gargour > Mahres (mostly downregulated). Out of the 39 spots excised, ten proteins were identified in digestive glands and eight in gills. Digestive glands of Bizerte crabs had higher levels of ferritin, three vitellogenin forms and mannose-binding protein, while Gargour crabs had higher levels of four cryptocyanin forms. Gills of Bizerte crabs had higher levels of ferritin, three vitellogenins forms, lectin 4C, actin, and collagenolytic serine protease. Proteins with altered expression in crabs from Tunisia littoral are related to molting, oxidative stress and inflammation, innate immune response, and proteolysis.

Low salinity enhances NI-mediated oxidative stress and sub-lethal toxicity to the green shore crab (Carcinus maenas)

Nickel (Ni) is a metal of environmental concern, known to cause toxicity to freshwater organisms by impairing ionoregulation and/or respiratory gas exchange, and by inducing oxidative stress. However, little is known regarding how nickel toxicity is influenced by salinity. In the current study we investigated the salinity-dependence and mechanisms of sub-lethal Ni toxicity in a euryhaline crab (Carcinus maenas). Crabs were acclimated to three experimental salinities--20, 60 and 100% seawater (SW)--and exposed to 3mg/L Ni for 24h or 96 h. Tissues were dissected for analysis of Ni accumulation, gills were taken for oxidative stress analysis (catalase activity and protein carbonyl content), haemolymph ions were analysed for ionoregulatory disturbance, and oxygen consumption was determined in exercised crabs after 96 h of Ni exposure. Total Ni accumulation was strongly dependant on salinity, with crabs from 20% SW displaying the highest tissue Ni burdens after both 24 and 96-h exposures. After 96 h of exposure, the highest accumulation of Ni occurred in the posterior (ionoregulatory) gills at the lowest salinity, 20% SW. Posterior gill 8 exhibited elevated protein carbonyl levels and decreased catalase activity after Ni exposure, but only in 20% SW. Similarly, decreased levels of haemolymph Mg and K and an increased level of Ca were recorded but only in crabs exposed to Ni for 96 h in 20% SW. Oxygen consumption after exercise was also inhibited in crabs exposed to Ni in 20% SW. These data show for the first time the simultaneous presence of all three modes of sub-lethal Ni toxicity in exposed animals, and indicate a strong salinity dependence of sub-lethal Ni toxicity to the euryhaline crab, C. maenas, a pattern that corresponded to tissue Ni accumulation.

Lack of adult novel northern lineages of invasive green crab Carcinus maenas along much of the northern US Atlantic coast

Introduced over 200 yr ago to the east coast of North America, Carcinus maenas now ranges from New York to Newfoundland. In the 1980s, a secondary invasion of European lineages, termed northern haplotypes, occurred in Nova Scotia. Young-of-the-year sampled in 2007 revealed that northern haplotypes were present in low frequencies at several northwestern Atlantic sites as far south as New York; a model predicted an increase in their range and frequency over time. We collected samples in 2013 and 2014 to determine the haplotypes of adult crabs from New York to Nova Scotia. Six haplotypes, encompassing previously identified northern and southern haplotypes, 1 novel southern haplotype, and 1 Scandinavian haplotype, were identified in 275 crabs sampled at 11 sites. Northern haplotypes were only found in Nova Scotia, Beals Island (Maine), and Mount Desert Island (Maine) at a frequency of 60, 8, and 24%, respectively; remaining sites were predominantly composed of a previously identified southern haplotype. Northern haplotypes are limited in adult crabs to Mount Desert Island and north, indicating that the southern haplotype is selectively favored at some point during their life history, recruitment of northern larvae is limited south of Mount Desert Island, or entire year-classes post-2007 were lost. Our results do not support the predictions of an increase in the range and frequency of northern haplotypes, at least among adults, and indicate that a more complete knowledge of factors affecting C. maenas life stages is necessary to understand the current distribution of haplotypes.