Pioneering genome mapping provides breakthrough for monitoring sea pollution and seafood safety

The ground-breaking research was led by Rameen Shakur, Professor of Genomics and Precision Medicine. Professor Shakur and his team successfully mapped the genetic blueprint of the dog whelk, a sea snail that plays a crucial role in both marine ecosystems and the human food chain.

Known scientifically as Nucella lapillus, dog whelks are widely used to assess the presence of toxic pollutants such as raw sewage, tributyltin (TBT) and other chemicals that interfere with the hormone systems of organisms in marine environments. Chronic exposure to these pollutants causes imposex – a condition in which female dog whelks develop male sexual characteristics, leading to dog whelk sterility and population decline.

Professor Rameen Shakur

A dog whelk

Many marine organisms, including shellfish consumed by humans, are affected by the same pollutants harming dog whelks. Despite its ecological importance, no reference genome for dog whelk was previously available, limiting the ability of researchers to apply modern genomic tools to study its biology and response to pollution.

Now, thanks to the work done by University of Brighton scientists at the Brighton Integrated Genomics (BIG) Unit, the first-ever genome assembly for the dog whelk has been completed. The study sampled wild dog whelks collected from the Isle of Islay in Scotland over a period of 18 months, providing an essential foundation for future genomic and environmental research.

By discovering how harmful chemicals alter the dog whelk’s reproductive system, the study presents new insights into potential risks for the seafood industry and similar disruptions to human health.

Professor Shakur, Director of the BIG Unit, said: "By deciphering the dog whelk's genetic code, we've opened a window into how pollution disrupts marine life. This new resource will enable researchers worldwide to investigate the genetic mechanisms behind imposex and explore broader questions about marine adaptation, climate stress, and sea pollution. Knowing this is vital for developing strategies to protect our ocean ecosystems and human health.

“Pollution in the ocean doesn’t just harm sea creatures—it can make its way into the food we eat. By understanding how pollutants affect dog whelks at a genetic level, we can also learn more about how these chemicals might impact human health. This research could help us make seafood safer and protect both marine life and people. We look forward to building on this research and collaborating with global partners to further explore the effects of climate change and human activity on marine ecosystems.”

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Edinburgh. The team led by Professor Shakur also included Andrew Hesketh and Juned Kadiwala with Heleen De Weerd and Helen Ritch from the University of Edinburgh. They utilised state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, including PacBio HiFi and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, to generate a highly accurate and complete genome with 84% assembly completeness.

This achievement is particularly significant given the challenges associated with extracting and sequencing DNA from marine invertebrates, which often contain substances that interfere with sequencing processes.

The genome assembly is now publicly available in the Springer Nature, providing a valuable resource for marine biologists, ecotoxicologists, and conservationists worldwide. Lessons from the study may shed light on potential genetic adaptations that could inform environmental risk assessments and pollution mitigation strategies.