From Chromosomal Aberrations to Transcriptome Analysis: Four Decades of Research in Bivalve Genotoxicity

Over the past four decades, bivalves have become sentinel organisms in genotoxicity research due to their ecological relevance and sensitivity to environmental contaminants. This integrative review critically examines the evolution of genotoxicity in bivalves, from early cytogenetic assays to advanced transcriptomic approaches. It highlights key methodological developments, geographical research trends, and the recent integration of multi-endpoint analyses for a more robust, consistent environmental risk assessment. By synthesizing data from four decades of research, we provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge while also critically identifying persistent challenges and suggesting directions for future research to allow better evaluation and mitigation of the genetic impacts of marine pollution.