Talk:Common biomarkers for the assessment of marine pollution
This article has been edited by James Everts, on 8/7/2013.
Job Dronkers, May 2026:
Comment on developments in biomarker research since publication (2008)
The article provides a clear and still valuable introduction to classical biomarkers used in marine pollution assessment. Since its publication, the core set of biomarkers described here (e.g. metallothioneins, lysosomal stability, genotoxicity assays) has remained largely valid and continues to be used in monitoring programs. More recent research has mainly advanced the conceptual and methodological framework of biomarker application rather than replacing these classical biomarkers.
One important development is the use of the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework. As Ankley et al. (2010[1]) state, AOPs “portray existing knowledge concerning the linkage between a direct molecular initiating event and an adverse outcome,” helping to place biomarker responses within a causal biological context.
In addition, recent reviews highlight emerging directions for biomarker research. Maria Carmela Lionetto et al. (2021[2]) emphasize the need for: (i) the development of omics-based biomarkers[3] with relevance for conservation purposes, (ii) their validation under field conditions, (iii) extension of biomarker studies to a wider range of species, including endangered ones, and (iv) the development of harmonized guidelines to support the use of biomarkers in environmental management and policy.
Overall, these advances do not alter the validity of the biomarkers presented in the article, but indicate that current research is focused on improving their mechanistic interpretation, applicability across species, and integration into conservation and management frameworks.
References
- ↑ Ankley, G.T., Bennett, R.S., Erickson, R.J., Hoff, D.J., Hornung, M.W., Johnson, R.D., Mount, D.R., Nichols, J.W., Russom, C.L., Schmieder, P.K., Serrrano, J.A., Tietge, .JE. and Villeneuve, D.L. 2010, Adverse outcome pathways: a conceptual framework to support ecotoxicology research and risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem. 29: 730-41
- ↑ Lionetto, M.G., Caricato, R. and Giordano, M.E. 2021. Pollution Biomarkers in the Framework of Marine Biodiversity Conservation: State of Art and Perspectives. Water 13, 1847
- ↑ Hu, Z-Z., Huang, H., Wu, C.H., Jung, M., Dritschilo, A., Riegel, A.T. and Wellstein, A. 2011. Omics-Based Molecular Target and Biomarker Identification. Methods Mol Biol. 719: 547–571
