The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein superfamily is known to play a fundamental role in biological processes and is highly conserved across animal taxa. The ABC proteins function as active ...transporters for multiple substrates across the cellular membrane by ATP hydrolysis. As this superfamily is derived from a common ancestor, ABC genes have evolved via lineage-specific duplications through the process of adaptation. In this review, we summarized information about the ABC gene families in aquatic invertebrates, considering their evolution and putative functions in defense mechanisms. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to examine the evolutionary significance of ABC gene families in aquatic invertebrates. Particularly, a massive expansion of multixenobiotic resistance (MXR)-mediated efflux transporters was identified in the absence of the ABCG2 (BCRP) gene in Ecdysozoa and Platyzoa, suggesting that a loss of Abcg2 gene occurred sporadically in these species during divergence of Protostome to Lophotrochozoa. Furthermore, in aquatic invertebrates, the ecotoxicological significance of MXR is discussed while considering the role of MXR-mediated efflux transporters in response to various environmental pollutants.
Peracarid crustaceans are a diverse group of invertebrates, common in every aquatic environment in Chile, both marine and freshwater. The present study includes as peracarids amphipods, cumaceans, ...isopods, mysids and tanaidaceans. Other peracarid groups have not been recorded from Chile.Original Abstract: Los crustaceos peracaridos comprenden un diverso grupo de invertebrados, comunes en ambientes acuaticos, tanto de agua dulce como marinos. En esta ocasion entenderemos como integrantes de este grupo a anfipodos, cumaceos, isopodos, misidaceos lophogastridos y tanaidaceos. Otros grupos taxonomicos comunmente incluidos en Peracarida no han sido citados aun para Chile.
