Increasing aquatic pollution requires the development of new technologies for to optimize the monitoring of water quality. In this context, we have developed a “biomarker of susceptibility” designating the degree of global pollution in aquatic medium, entitled "Sentinel". The Sentinel biomarker is based on the co-expression level of two major "Multidrug resistance" (MDR) proteins, such as ABCG2-like protein and P-gp, in erythrocytes of brown trout’s in response to aquatic pollution. After developing a primary erythrocyte culture, the Sentinel biomarker was validated in a controlled medium. Trout erythrocytes exposure to increasing concentrations of Benzo-a-pyrene, a model pollutant, induced an increase expression of ABCG2-like protein and P-gp by a dose-dependent response. The Sentinel biomarker was then developed in a natural environment, using the erythrocytes of brown trout collected from the various rivers located in the Auvergne region of France. In the natural environment, both MDR proteins are differentially expressed in the erythrocytes of brown trout depending on the degree of contamination of rivers. Indeed, wild brown trout erythrocytes in an uncontaminated river, expressed only the ABCG2-like protein, whereas, in a river presenting a higher contamination, P-gp and ABCG2-like were both coexpressed with a relay response. Experiments in vitro conditions and natural environment, suggest that ABCG2-like protein acts as a vanguard protective protein, in complement to P-gp which acts as a “defensive” protective protein. Consequently, according to the expression level of the vanguard and defense proteins, the degree of contamination of the river could be evaluated. The use advantage of the Sentinel biomarker has also been validated on Salmonidae erythrocytes form farmed fish. This new tool provides biological information more early and integrative on the quality of aquatic environments. These informations are essential for better management of water resources.
