P-GLYCOPROTEIN EXPRESSION IN CRASSOSTREA-GIGAS AND MYTILUS-EDULIS IN POLLUTED SEAWATER

1. DNA-DNA hybridization showed that mussels (Mytilus edulis) and oyst ers (Crassostrea gigas) possess a highly conserved region constituting one or more genes of the ATP-dependent transmembrane transporter fami ly to which belong the mammalian tumor cell genes responsible for mult i-drug resistance. 2. Monoclonal antibody C219 visualized two proteins (220 and 240 kDa) which varied quantitatively in mussels depending on the level of organic pollution at the sampling sites. 3. The authors consider whether certain pollutants in the marine environment are capa ble of inducing pollutant-resistant gene expression.