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Ambient ultraviolet radiation induces DNA damage in amphibian larvae under semi-natural conditions

Summary

Scientists studied whether natural sunlight damages the DNA of tadpoles by raising striped marsh frog larvae in outdoor pools with either normal or reduced sun exposure. They found that natural sunlight does cause measurable DNA damage in tadpoles, and some individual tadpoles were more affected than others. This research suggests that as UV radiation changes due to climate change, some amphibian populations may face greater risks to their survival and development.

Background

Amphibians are experiencing catastrophic global declines and are among the most UV-sensitive vertebrates. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a potent genotoxic stressor that can cause DNA damage, but whether natural sunlight induces measurable DNA damage in free-living amphibian larvae remains unclear.

Objective

To determine whether ambient levels of solar UVR are sufficient to induce measurable DNA damage in free-living amphibian larvae. The study hypothesized that larvae exposed to natural Austral summer levels of UVR would exhibit higher levels of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) compared to larvae with reduced UVR exposure.

Results

Measurable CPD levels were detected under both UVR exposures, providing direct evidence that natural sunlight induces DNA damage in amphibian larvae. Although mean CPD levels did not differ significantly between treatments, quantile regression revealed higher CPD levels in both the lower and upper quantiles under high UVR, suggesting that subsets of individuals experienced disproportionately high DNA damage burdens under increased UVR.

Conclusion

Natural sunlight can induce measurable DNA damage in free-living amphibian larvae, with inter-individual variation in response suggesting that certain individuals are more vulnerable to UVR-induced genotoxicity. Mesocosms provide valuable tools to bridge laboratory and field contexts for evaluating the effects of UVR on aquatic fauna as UV environments shift with climate change.
  • Published in:Journal of Experimental Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41099658, DOI: 10.1242/jeb.251017
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