Research project GENBEM: Integrating genomic health indicators into biological effect monitoring of contaminants
Pollution can impact the DNA and RNA of marine animals before effects are detected at the organism or population level. GENBEM reads these early molecular changes to make marine monitoring faster, sharper, and more predictive.
GENBEM will develop a new framework for Baltic Sea pollution monitoring using DNA and RNA adductome profiling. By analysing how contaminants alter DNA and RNA in Baltic sentinel species, the project aims to identify early signs of chemical stress and improve contaminant effect assessments.
GENBEM connects advanced molecular analysis with real monitoring needs. The project works with samples and species already used in Baltic Sea assessment, including fish and amphipods. The adductome data are translated into operational indicators that environmental managers can use. The goal is to make these omics data comparable across sites, linked to biological effects, and suitable for integration into national and regional assessment frameworks.