GEMMA - Genomics Ecotoxicology & Microbiology in Marine Animals

11/09/2025

✨ What a week in Arcachon! 🇫🇷🌊✨

Our research group had the pleasure of participating in the International Manila and European Clams Conference - SYMPA, held for the very first time in Europe, in Arcachon (France).

It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and collaborators, to share our latest results, and to establish new scientific partnerships. The conference also featured a very inspiring field trip in the Arcachon Bay 📍.

A special shout-out to our GEMMA-mates:
💎 Chiara Mascitelli, awarded Best Flash Talk
💎 Giovanna Monticelli, awarded Best Presentation

You made us proud! 🎉👏

A special thanks to the IFREMER scientific organising committee ( Isabelle Arzul , Guillaume Bernard)

14/06/2025

☕💊 Can mussels get high on drugs? Well yes, but not intentionally.

Co***ne and caffeine are increasingly found in coastal waters due to human pollution, especially from untreated or poorly treated wastewater.

In our latest study, recently published in Aquatic Toxicology, the GEMMA research group investigated what happens when Mediterranean mussels are exposed to environmentally relevant levels of caffeine and co***ne, both individually and combined.

🧬 Spoiler alert: they didn’t take it well.
We observed clear impacts on gene expression and microbiota, with some of the most interesting (and concerning) effects persisting even after the exposure ended.

These results highlight how even low levels of pharmaceuticals in the ocean can subtly—but lastingly—affect marine organisms.

📖 Curious? Read the full article here (Open Access):
👉 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107458

Huge thanks to the entire GEMMA team and UNIVPM! 🐚🔬

***ne

03/06/2025

The 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗥 has just concluded, and the GEMMA group (Serena Ferraresso, Giovanna Monticelli, Massimo Milan and Luca Peruzza) is returning home energized and inspired.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to:

✅ Share our latest research on how epigenetics shapes cell's and tissue's identity in fish and molluscs

✅ Connect with brilliant scientists from across the world

✅ Explore new ideas at the frontier of marine epigenetics

Being part of such a passionate and forward-thinking event was truly rewarding.
A huge 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 who made the event such a stimulating experience.

Looking forward to continuing the conversations and collaborations sparked this week!

Until next time in 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳! 🌍🔬🐚

28/04/2025

🌿 Le Mappe del Delta: un viaggio nella biodiversità! 🌿
(English below)
Il 12 aprile a Rosolina, il Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione ha promosso l'attività di Terza Missione "Le Mappe del Delta", nell’ambito del progetto Rinasco.
Un'occasione per raccontare il delicato ecosistema del Delta del Po attraverso attività interattive e percorsi di divulgazione scientifica rivolti al pubblico e stakeholders.

Due dei nostri ricercatori del Gemma Lab, insieme ad altri colleghi del Dipartimento, hanno partecipato come divulgatori, guidando i partecipanti alla scoperta della biodiversità del territorio.
L'iniziativa è stata realizzata grazie alla collaborazione con l'Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po, Goletta Verde Lab e Bleu Studio, unendo competenze scientifiche, ambientali e creative per valorizzare questo straordinario ambiente naturale.

🎧 Scopri di più ascoltando il podcast "Dove volano i pesci", disponibile qui:
👉 https://www.bca.unipd.it/terza-missione/podcast-dove-volano-i-pesci



🌿 Le Mappe del Delta: a journey into biodiversity! 🌿

On April 12th in Rosolina, the Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science carried out the Third Mission activity "Le Mappe del Delta", as part of the Rinasco Project.
It was an opportunity to explore and share the delicate ecosystem of the Po Delta through interactive activities and accessible scientific communication.

Two researchers from the Gemma Lab, together with other colleagues from the Department, took part as science communicators, guiding participants in the discovery of the territory’s biodiversity.
The initiative was made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta, Goletta Verde Lab, and Bleu Studio, combining scientific, environmental, and creative expertise to enhance this extraordinary natural area.

🎧 Learn more by listening to the podcast "Where Fish Fly", available here:
👉 https://www.bca.unipd.it/terza-missione/podcast-dove-volano-i-pesci

22/03/2025

💧 22 marzo - Giornata mondiale dell'acqua - World Water Day 2025

L’acqua è l’elemento su cui si fonda la vita, ma è anche uno degli ecosistemi più vulnerabili all’impatto antropico e al Cambiamento Climatico.
Oggi più che mai, serve una scienza capace di proteggere ciò che non può difendersi da solo.



We need science that can speak for what has no voice and protect what cannot protect itself. Listen to the water words!

04/03/2025

Call for Applications: Open to Master's and PhD Students! Registration is open until March, 20th

La Summer School Animals in a changing world: tackling environmental challenges for a sustainable future è rivolta alle studentesse e agli studenti di laurea magistrale e dottorato che desiderano esplorare le complesse dinamiche delle interazioni ospite-microbioma negli ambienti acquatici e capire come il cambiamento climatico stia influenzando queste relazioni cruciali.
Il programma prevede lezioni e workshop condotti da esperte ed esperti internazionali, ricercatrici e ricercatori esperti, che garantiscono un approfondimento circa le ultime scoperte scientifiche e le tecniche più avanzate. L'esperienza sarà ulteriormente arricchita da escursioni in siti di monitoraggio, tra cui visite ai sistemi di acquacoltura nella laguna di Venezia e la Stazione Idrobiologica di Chioggia. Le studentesse e gli studenti avranno l'opportunità di partecipare attivamente al campionamento di specie acquatiche, all'estrazione del DNA e a sessioni pratiche di bioinformatica incentrate sulla genomica animale e microbica. Questo approccio unico fornisce alle/ai partecipanti un'esperienza completa che segue la ricerca sulle simbiosi ospite-microbo dal “campo ai dati finali”.
Inoltre, il programma prevede attività di gruppo e sessioni di poster, dando alle studentesse e agli studenti l'opportunità di presentare le loro ricerche, scambiare idee e impegnarsi in discussioni stimolanti con coetanei ed esperti

Dettagli: https://www.unipd.it/animals-changing-world

26/01/2025

📢 New Research Published! ⚠️

We are excited to share that our latest study has been published in Journal!

Together with our exceptional colleagues of Università Politecnica delle Marche, we investigated the impact of pharmaceuticals on the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.
If your question is: "Why does this matter?", the answer is "Understanding how human affect ecosystems is crucial for safeguarding , food chains, and environmental health. Thus, no one is untouched by this environmental issue!!! Be aware!!!"

And further...... Here are a few brief insights from the study:
🔬 We explored the effects of Gemfibrozil, Metformin, Ramipril, and Venlafaxine—individually and in combination—over 30 days, using advanced RNA-seq and 16S rRNA microbiota profiling.
⚙️ Findings revealed drug-specific changes in metabolism and stress responses, on line to the mode of action defined in humans - the target, with combined exposure severely affecting mussel physiology.
🌐 Even after recovery, persistent effects on stress and energy-related pathways highlight potential long-term risks.

Now, have we sparked your curiosity??
🔗 Read the full paper here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166445X25000207

A heartfelt thanks to Università Politecnica delle Marche, the National Biodiversity Future Center and everyone who contributed to this research! 🙏

21/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the entire Gemma team! 🎄✨

As we wrap up another year of hard work and research, we take a moment to reflect on everything we've accomplished together. We focused our studies on the understanding of the biological mechanisms that govern responses of marine organisms to climate change and pollution, making progress that could help protect our seas and preserve related human activities. Every discovery and every step forward brings us closer to propose solutions to these global challenges.

A big thank you to all our collaborators, partners and supporters whose encouragement and trust have been essential to our work. 🌊🔬

With the hope that the coming year brings new discoveries and opportunities for growth, we wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and progress. 🌟

13/11/2024

30/10/2024

🌍 It was great to present our work at the Conference in Florence! We shared our insights on how animal play a crucial role in sustaining health. Now more than ever, microbiome stewardship is essential to preserving our and its . Grateful for the exchange of ideas and the passion from everyone dedicated to this mission! 🐟🦠

30/09/2024

The latest issue of European Aquacolture Society (EAS) magazine has been completed 📰📕and it includes our article regarding the esthimation of genetic parameters for disease resistance and climate change resilience in the Manila clam.

We are proud of being part of this community! 👥👥