Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Copper Ion Uptake by Oocystis borgei from Offshore Polluted Water

Copper ion pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Seaweeds exhibit potential for metal bioremediation through their inherent mechanisms of metal absorption and tolerance. However, the understanding of seaweed resistance to metal ions, particularly copper, continues to evolve, despite previous studies elucidating some underlying molecular mechanisms. This study delineates the transcriptomic adaptations of Oocystis borgei to copper exposure via RNA-seq, highlighting its remarkable bioremoval efficacy, consistently averages 82%. RNA sequencing revealed profound alterations in transcriptomic profiles, which were further examined through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analyses. This comprehensive examination identified key mechanisms facilitating copper absorption and enhanced tolerance in Oocystis borgei, including transporter activity, oxidation-reduction processes, photosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism. Overall, this analysis provides essential insights into the molecular mechanisms driving seaweed adaptive responses to copper-induced stress, laying the groundwork for future studies on their bioremediative capabilities.