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talk 5

Talks Session 5

Ecology

February 23, 2019

Shultz Theatre

10:30-11:45

Talks Session 6

Integrative Biology

February 23, 2019

Room 118

10:30-11:45

Session 6
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Talks Session 7 

Gene Expression

February 23, 2019

Shultz Theatre

14:15-15:45

Talks Session 8

Ecology

February 23, 2019

Room 118

14:15-15:45

Tak 7
talk8
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Talk Session 5 Abstracts

Title: Effects of Ontogeny on the Generalization of Antipredator Recognition in Wood Frog Tadpoles (Lithobates sylvaticus)

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Authors: Stephen Pecylak, Maud Ferrari, Doug Chivers, Hunter Stevens, and Gabrielle Achtymichuk

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Abstract: Generalization is the cognitive process whereby an individual will respond to one situation based on information it gathered from similar situation that it has already experienced.  The process of generalization will form a gradient based off of exactly how similar the two situations are, as well as factors influencing the quality of the information. Wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) tadpoles are known to be able to generalize information pertaining to predation risk based off of olfactory cues.  Wood frog tadpoles are also able to learn olfactory information as an embryo. The purpose of this study was to see whether or not predator information that was learned embryonically could be generalized, and how this generalization gradient compared to larval generalization gradient.  Tadpoles were assigned either an embryonic or larval exposure crossed with brook trout as either a risk or control treatment. Tadpoles were tested for a learned risk response using either brook trout, splake, tiger trout, rainbow trout, or goldfish odour, which form a resolved phylogenetic gradient.  This study was able to show that tadpoles that learn embryonically can generalize the information gained to splake, tiger trout, and rainbow trout. The tadpoles that were treated as larvae generalized to splake and tiger trout only. This shows that the ability of a tadpole to generalize predation risk is not diminished as a result of embryonic exposure for the tadpole’s early life and embryonic exposure changes how much an antipredator response is generalized.

Stephen

Title: Diel patterns of humpback whale non-song calls in Newfoundland foraging grounds

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Authors: Anna Mikhailitchenko and Gail Davoren

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Abstract: Animals produce signals to convey information intra- and interspecifically, however, their adaptive importance is sometimes unknown. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a highly vocal migratory marine species producing both song and non-song calls on their breeding and foraging grounds, respectively. Songs have been relatively well-studied; however, little is known regarding non-song calls and their function. As a first step to investigate non-song call function, we examined the diel patterns in non-song call activity of humpback whales on their Newfoundland foraging grounds. Continuous 24-hour recordings of humpback whale calls were collected using a hydrophone moored within a key spawning area of their main fish prey species (capelin, Mallotus villosus) during July-August, 2015-2018. Concurrent visual observations confirmed humpback whale presence in the area. Acoustic files (2015, 2016) were aurally and visually surveyed to identify the date and time of all non-song calls during whale presence. Peak call activity coincided with the visually-determined peak number of whales in the area, and call activity was highest during daylight hours across all days. The low call activity during dark periods within days suggests minimal foraging and/or group communication events among humpback whales relative to daylight periods. Future research will investigate diel patterns of specific non-song call types to further elucidate their behavioural context and provide insight into their function.

Anna

Title: It’s not over until the fat squirrel sings: testing hypotheses on body size variation in a desert-adapted ground squirrel

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Author: Lauren LaFleche

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Abstract: Body size impacts nearly all aspects of an animal’s life and can be subject to considerable variation in response to differences in resource availability. We assessed the validity of hypotheses explaining variation in body size (Bergmann’s rule and the resource rule) and sexual dimorphism (Rensch’s rule) in mammals. We examined the impact of resource availability and temperature on arid-living Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), relative to body size and degree of sexual dimorphism, over three locations differing in resource abundance (rainfall) and temperature. Our Namib Desert location had the lowest average annual rainfall and medial average annual minimum temperature. Our Kalahari Desert location had medial average annual rainfall and the highest average annual temperature. Finally, our South African grassland site had the highest average annual rainfall and the lowest average annual temperature. We found that squirrels were largest in South Africa but similar in mass in the Namib and Kalahari, providing some support for both Bergmann’s rule and the resource rule. Hind feet were largest in the Kalahari and similar size but smaller in South Africa and the Namib. The degree of sexual dimorphism was constant regardless of resource abundance or temperature suggesting no impact of resource availability or temperature on sexual dimorphism. Our findings suggest that, while resource availability and temperature have an impact on body size, other mechanisms and limiting factors are also important influences on body size in this species.

Lauren

Title: Precipitation and reproductive success of an African ground squirrel

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Authors: Krista Shofstall, and Jane Waterman

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Abstract: Rainfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable worldwide and in southern Africa, precipitation has decreased significantly since the 1970s with shorter rain seasons and an increased occurrence of drought, leading to a decrease in food resources. Low food resources affect reproductive success by lowering body condition and increasing stress. Cape ground squirrels are an arid-adapted species with small litter sizes and high reproductive failure rate. From 2011-2018 we live-trapped squirrels in a population in central South Africa and collected data on the number of offspring weaned, as well as rainfall data. We used a GLMM to look at the relationship between precipitation and number of offspring per female and per social group. Breeding success increased as the amount of rainfall increased during the plant growing season. Rainfall over the 2011-2018 growing period has been lower than average with the last spike occurring in 2011. This lack of fluctuation in precipitation over the past 7 years may have an impact on the squirrels. Primary productivity is highly dependent on rainfall and these resources affect the ability of females to successfully wean offspring.

Krista

Title: Space use and movements of two sympatric mesopredators in the low Arctic

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Authors: Chloé Warret Rodrigues and James D. Roth

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Abstract: Changes are occurring rapidly in northern ecosystems in response to global warming. As winters become shorter and milder, taiga species encroach onto the tundra, where they may compete with tundra dwellers. Ecologically and morphologically similar species have similar needs and thus are most likely to compete. In northern Manitoba, where tundra, taiga and marine ecosystems merge, red foxes recently increased their use of coastal tundra breeding dens that were historically occupied by Arctic foxes. However, little is known about tundra red foxes’ habitat use or possible interactions with the sympatric Arctic foxes. We deployed 12 satellite collars (Telonics Inc., USA) on 5 red and 7 Arctic foxes to compare spatial behaviors of sympatric red and Arctic foxes, and understand interspecific interactions. Preliminary analyses suggest that red foxes had smaller home ranges than Arctic foxes but underwent long-range movement more frequently in winter, during food shortage. Independence of foxes’ movements and large home range overlap did not suggest spatial avoidance between red and Arctic foxes. Home range overlap between species in winter, averaged 11%, suggesting red foxes do not exclude Arctic foxes from resources, or that they use temporal segregation or resource partitioning to cope with possible competition. The information on space sharing will provide insight in understanding the consequences of range expansion by southern predators on Arctic food webs.

Chloe

Talk Session 6 Abstracts

Title: Long-term impacts of variable and elevated embryonic thermal environments on thermal tolerance and the cellular stress response of Lake Whitefish

 

Authors: Leslie A. Miller, Wilson, J.Y., Somers, C.M., Boreham, D.R., and Manzon, R.G.

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Abstract: Industrial thermal pollution is a source of localized, aquatic thermal stress that may have an impact on cold water, near-shore spawning fish species such as Lake Whitefish (LWF).  LWF embryos in particular may be impacted by fluctuating, warmer waters near thermal effluents as they generally develop at temperatures between 0.5 and 4°C. To better understand the effects of these thermal effluents on early LWF development, embryos were reared under three different thermal conditions: ambient (control), elevated (+3°C), and variable (3°C daily heat shocks)) thermal regimes.  Preliminary data suggest that changes in water temperature were associated with changes in hatch timing, metabolism, morphology and the stress response of LWF embryos.  Embryos reared at elevated (+3°C) or variable temperatures hatched earlier than controls.  Thermal tolerance, as determined by critical thermal maximum, was higher for the larvae that hatched from embryos that were reared at elevated versus variable temperatures.  Future research will investigate the long-term impacts of the embryonic environment on thermal tolerance, swim performance, metabolism and the cellular tress response.

Lesle

Title: Thermal tolerance in a native anadromous population and an invasive freshwater population of sea lamprey

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Author: Josh Sutherby

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Abstract: Invasion theory predicts that invasive populations will generally display increased tolerance to a range of environmental stressors. Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), an anadromous jawless fish native to the North Atlantic, successfully invaded the Laurentian Great Lakes in the mid-20th century, to the detriment of local fish populations. In the present study, native and invasive populations of sea lamprey ammocoetes were evaluated for their upper thermal tolerance, using a critical thermal maximum (CTmax) methodology, at a range of ecologically relevant acclimation temperatures. Responses to acclimation conditions were also examined for both populations in gene expression of eight target genes. Seven of which are involved in the cellular stress response (EPAS1B, HSF1, JUN, HSPA9, HSP90B1, SERPINH1, MMP2), and UGT, a gene encoding an enzyme responsible for processing the lampricide TFM. The invasive population demonstrated a consistently greater CTmax than the native population, ~0.8°C greater at any given acclimation temperature. The invasive population also demonstrated increased plasticity in JUN, HSP90B1, and HSPA9 in response to the different temperature treatments. Expression of UGT in the liver of the freshwater population was also differentially expressed under ambient conditions relative to the anadromous population, which may influence how the invasive population processes the lampricide TFM.

Josh

Title: Effects of separate soil and air temperatures on nitrogen fixation and physiological performance of green alder

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Author: Paige Anderson

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Abstract: The characteristic cold climate and short growing season of the Canadian boreal forest can result in restricted amounts of available soil nitrogen, limited overall plant growth and low ecosystem productivity. Nitrogen fixing plants, which form symbiotic relationships with specialised bacteria, have an advantage in these types of low nitrogen environments, but are not widespread in the boreal. The reason for this is not well understood. It has not been properly documented how nitrogen fixation and overall plant performance are impacted by seasonal temperatures changes in the soil and air, especially in the spring when soil temperatures remain cool as air temperature increase. This study was conducted to examine how below ground (nitrogen fixation) and above ground (photosynthetic) processes are impacted when soil and air temperatures differ. A lab experiment using the woody, nitrogen fixing species Alnus viridis. ssp. crispa (green alder) was conducted. Soil was cooled to 10ËšC, 14ËšC and 16ËšC (control) independently of shoot temperature at 22ËšC, over a growth period of 13 weeks. Cooler soil temperatures were found to inhibit nitrogen fixation and plant performance. During the growing season reductions in nitrogen fixation with decreased soil temperature were observed at weeks 4, 6 and 8. Decreasing soil temperatures also resulted in significantly lower photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, growth rate, tissue weight and specific leaf area compared to control plants at time of harvest. This research will help us to further understand the role of nitrogen fixing plants in the Canadian boreal and why they are not more abundant.

Paige A

Title: Flaxseed Protects Against Anthracycline and Trastuzumab Mediated Cardiac Dysfunction

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Authors: Chantal Y. Asselin, Cheung D, Austria JA, Labossiere D, Thliveris J, Singal PK, Ravandi A, Pierce GN, Niraula S and Jassal DS

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Abstract: Cardio-Oncology focuses on the detection, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular complications in individuals receiving cancer therapy. While the combination of Doxorubicin (DOX) and Trastuzumab (TRZ) reduces the progression and recurrence of breast cancer, these anti-cancer drugs are associated with significant cardiotoxic side effects. Little is known on the potential cardioprotective role of flaxseed (FLX) in the prevention of DOX+TRZ mediated cardiotoxicity. Methods: A total of 35 wild-type C57Bl/6 female mice were randomized to regular chow (RC), FLX, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or secoisolariciresinol-diglucoside (SDG) for 6-weeks. Following prophylactic treatment with one of the diets, all mice were treated with DOX+TRZ. Following serial murine echocardiography, cardiac tissue was collected for histological analysis. Plasma oxylipins and biochemical analysis were performed to evaluate for markers of inflammation and oxidative stress using liquid-chromatography-electrospray-ionization-tandem-mass-spectrometry and Western blotting. Results: In RC+DOX+TRZ treated mice, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased from 74±2% to 44±3% at week-6. Prophylactic administration of FLX, ALA or SDG partially preserved LVEF with values of 51±3%, 63±4% and 64±3%, respectively. Histological analysis of cardiac tissue demonstrated that FLX, ALA, and SDG prevented significant disruption of myofibrils. Plasma analysis indicated that the oxylipins 8,9-DiHETrE (oxidative stress), 15k-PGE2 (inflammation), and 12,13-diHOME (mitochondrial dysfunction) were significantly downregulated in the FLX, ALA, and SDG groups. Similarly, Western analysis detected a significant decrease in the expression of the apoptotic marker Bax/Bcl-XL. Conclusion: In a chronic in vivo murine model of DOX+TRZ mediated cardiotoxicity, FLX, ALA, and SDG partially prevented adverse cardiovascular remodeling by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Chantal

Title: The implications of using organic chemistry as a physiology tool for elasmobranch conservations

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Authors: Alexander Schoen and W. Gary Anderson

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Abstract: Elasmobranchs utilize a unique hormone, 1α-hydroxycorticosterone (1α-OHB), which is the dominant corticosteroid in mineral balance, but 1α-OHB’s role in energy regulation or metabolism is largely unknown. An important function of glucocorticoids is to stimulate the catabolism of glycogen and the process of gluconeogenesis when available plasma glucose decreases in response to a stressor. Tetrapods and teleosts are able to use fatty acids as a substrate for gluconeogenesis, but fatty acid metabolism is believed to be deficient in elasmobranchs. Previous studies have illustrated that elasmobranchs rely heavily on ketone bodies as an extrahepatic fuel source rather than fatty acids. Thus, I predict that circulating levels of 1α-OHB will cause an increase in levels of glucose and ketone bodies in circulation, following a stressor. Organic chemistry techniques will be used to synthesize a 1α-OHB standard, which will be fundamental in determining circulating levels of 1α-OHB in plasma. Blood chemistry will be determined following an induced stress event. This study is essential in understanding elasmobranch stress physiology and plays a role in determining proper conservation and management strategies.

Alex

Talk Session 7 Abstracts

Title: The Effect of Egg Rearing Environment on Larval Lake Sturgeon Development and Gene Expression

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Authors: William Bugg, Madison Earhart, Jordan Kroeker, Cobi Wiwchar, Gary Anderson and Ken Jeffries

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Abstract: In fish, changes in early rearing environment can have implications for an individual’s long-term fitness and survival. In hatcheries, sturgeon embryos are typically reared in tumbling jars until hatch. This deviation from a natural early rearing environment may have significant effects on the development of larval fish. The purpose of our experiment was to investigate the effects of tumbling jars on Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) development. Eggs and sperm collected from wild-caught spawning Lake Sturgeon were fertilized at the University of Manitoba. Full sibling eggs were placed half in tumbling jars with a flow rate of 0.13m/s while in the nontumbled treatment embryos were allowed to adhease to a mesh substrate and provided with water flow of approximately 0.17m/s. Pre-hatch, embryo diameter and developmental stage was assessed daily. Post-hatch, individuals were sampled and measured for whole-body cortisol concentration, gene expression and growth weekly. Genes of interest include beta-actin, GAPDH, HSP70a, and StAR to evaluate changes in growth rate, metabolism, and steroidogenesis. Growth, in terms of egg size as well as body weight and length, was greater in non-tumbled fish throughout post hatch development, significantly so at 21 DPF (P < 0.05), 28 DPF (P < 0.00001), and 35 DPF (P < 0.001). Dry mass analysis of 28 DPF larvae show that while treatments have similar wet to dry mass ratios (10.8% non-tumbled vs 10.5% tumbled), nontumbled larvae had 6.9% more dry mass.  Data will be discussed in the context of larval Lake Sturgeon development.

Will

Title: Invasion routes (Geographic variation) and Genetic variation of Drosophila suzukii based on CO1 and ND4 gene sequence analysis.

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Authors: Karanveer Dhillon and Alberto Civetta

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Abstract: Drosophila suzukii (Spotted-wing Drosophila) is an agricultural pest of healthy and ripened thin-skin fruits. It was first identified and described in Asian continents, including China, Japan, and Korea. However, it has rapidly expanded its habitat to Europe, North America, and South America. With its continued expanding geographic variation, pest management becomes crucial for food industries, corporations, and farmers. In this paper, three locations (Carman, Stonewall, and Winnipeg) were used to collect a total of 183 females and 162 males. A specific sequence of mitochondrial CO1 and ND4 genes from males and females will be analyzed and compared to USA and Canadian populations using GenBank-registered CO1 data. CO1 and ND4 gene sequence analysis will be used to generate phylogenetic relationships to assess similarities and differences among USA and Canadian D. suzukii genetic diversity, relatedness, and geographic variation. Phylogenetic relationships and geographic variation will hopefully help in understanding of temporal and spatial invasions and in control and management of the pest.

Karanveer

Title: RNA-Seq pipeline for mapping, counting and identifying genes expressed during testicular differentiation in sea lamprey: a genome-guided approach

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Authors: Tamanna Yasmin, Sara V. Good and Margaret F. Docker

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Abstract: Lampreys, one of the two sole surviving groups of jawless vertebrates, are providing important model systems for studying the early evolutionary history of the vertebrates (e.g., regarding the evolution of development and of the pivotal hypothalamic-pituitary axis). In contrast, the genetic basis of sex determination and differentiation in lampreys is poorly understood. Thus, our research seeks to identify genes involved in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) testicular development to provide insight into the evolution of testis-specific genes in vertebrates. RNA-Seq data was performed during different stages of testicular differentiation in metamorphosing sea lamprey. Two reference genomes (somatic and germline) are available for sea lamprey, so a reference-guided pipeline was designed for mapping transcriptomic reads to the reference genome in non-model species like lampreys (i.e., to identify genes that map to those annotated in the reference genomes). We counted reads using a gene-based counting method, characterized the functional ontology of those genes, and tested for changes in expression of genes based on the associated Gene Ontology terms. Samples representing the mid-, late, and post-testicular differentiation stages were mapped to both reference genomes using Top Hat, with 56–59% and 65–72% mapping to the somatic and germline assemblies, respectively. A differential expression analysis was carried out using DESeq2, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plot was generated to identify the overall pattern of gene expression from all samples. Using the somatic and germline assemblies, we identified a total of 285 and 337 genes, respectively, that showed significant changes in gene expression across stages.

Title: RNA-Seq pipeline for mapping, counting and identifying genes expressed during testicular differentiation in sea lamprey: a genome-guided approach

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Authors: Tamanna Yasmin, Sara V. Good and Margaret F. Docker

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Abstract: Lampreys, one of the two sole surviving groups of jawless vertebrates, are providing important model systems for studying the early evolutionary history of the vertebrates (e.g., regarding the evolution of development and of the pivotal hypothalamic-pituitary axis). In contrast, the genetic basis of sex determination and differentiation in lampreys is poorly understood. Thus, our research seeks to identify genes involved in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) testicular development to provide insight into the evolution of testis-specific genes in vertebrates. RNA-Seq data was performed during different stages of testicular differentiation in metamorphosing sea lamprey. Two reference genomes (somatic and germline) are available for sea lamprey, so a reference-guided pipeline was designed for mapping transcriptomic reads to the reference genome in non-model species like lampreys (i.e., to identify genes that map to those annotated in the reference genomes). We counted reads using a gene-based counting method, characterized the functional ontology of those genes, and tested for changes in expression of genes based on the associated Gene Ontology terms. Samples representing the mid-, late, and post-testicular differentiation stages were mapped to both reference genomes using Top Hat, with 56–59% and 65–72% mapping to the somatic and germline assemblies, respectively. A differential expression analysis was carried out using DESeq2, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plot was generated to identify the overall pattern of gene expression from all samples. Using the somatic and germline assemblies, we identified a total of 285 and 337 genes, respectively, that showed significant changes in gene expression across stages.

Tamanna

Title: Endogenous Retrovirus-K Integrase: A source of DNA damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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Authors: Breanna Meek

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Abstract: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancient viral elements that make up 8% of the human genome. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain. Patients with ALS have increased expression of ERV proteins within motor neurons. A recently endogenated ERV is endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK), which produces a functional integrase (IN) protein. IN breaks host DNA to insert viral double-stranded DNA into the host genome while relying on cellular DNA repair mechanisms to repair DNA breakages. An increased expression of ERVK integrase (IN) has been found in patients with ALS. With IN damaging DNA the cell may fail to repair itself, leading to a form of cell death called necroptosis. If occurring in motor neurons, this can lead to degradation. In my research I inserted a cumate-inducible lentivector construct with the viral ERVK IN gene into human astrocyte cells. With this vector, IN gene expression can be controlled with cumate. The presence of IN will be recorded by GFP activation in confocal microscopy and Western Blot protein assays. With active IN present, we should see an increase in the DNA damage marker γH2AX. To compare this cumate-inducible model to patients with ALS, immunostaining will be performed looking for ERVK IN, γH2AX, the necroptosis marker MLKL, and MAP2. ERVK IN damaging DNA can lead to cell death and neurodegeneration. To prevent damage, this viral protein may be a possible target in future ALS therapies, aiming to prevent DNA damage, cell death, and neurodegeneration.

Breanna

Title: IGFBP-3: Understanding Its Promiscuous Nature with Its Binding Partners

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Authors: Apurva Bhardwaj and Shailly Varma Shrivastav

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Abstract: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), a key secretory/ circulating protein in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway, plays an important endocrine role.  It is also under investigation for other critical roles in cellular processes. IGFBP-3 functions both in the extracellular and intracellular compartments and regulates cellular functions such as cell growth, survival and apoptosis. The involvement of nuclear IGFBP-3 in transcriptional regulation, DNA damage and induction of apoptosis support its role in cancer progression and apoptosis. Rapamycin is an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is a ser/thr kinase is also under several clinical trial for the treatment of cancers including head and neck cancer. We treated mammalian breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 and HepG2 cells with rapamycin at different time points, isolated the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions and determined the IGFBP-3 levels using Western blot analyses. We were interested to identify other molecules interacting with IGFBP-3, and therefore also carried out immunoprecipitation using different cellular fractions. During the time course experiment, we observed that rapamycin increased the translocation of the IGFBP-3 in the nucleus. We confirmed for the presence of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins to further confirm the purity of the fractions. The overreaching goal of our research is to determine if localisation of IGFBP-3 can be used as a diagnostic marker to improve the prognosis and treatment for cancer and determine if it can be used to stratify patients for targeted therapy.

Apurva

Title: Novel ammonia transporters in fishes: Exploring the role of Hiat1 as a potential new ammonia transporter in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

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Authors: Haonan Zhouyao, Alex Zimmer, Steve Perry, and Dirk Weihrauch

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Abstract: The regulation of nitrogen by fishes has been widely studied in the field of comparative physiology over the past century. In the vast majority of teleost fishes, ammonia, a highly toxic waste product from protein metabolism, is directly excreted to the surrounding aquatic environment mainly through their gills. The mechanism was quite unclear until the discovery of the Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, which revolutionized the view of nitrogen regulation in aquatic organisms. Most recent evidence discovered by our group suggests that another class of ammonia-transporting proteins may exist in fishes, namely the hippocampus abundant transcript 1 (Hiat 1). A sequence analysis predicted that Hiat1 functions as a membrane transport protein with potential of high general importance in cell homeostasis as evident by the exceptional high degree of conservation across the animal kingdom (78% AA similarity between fish and human). Moreover, in zebrafish Hiat1 is ubiquitously expressed various tissues including, gills, brain, kidney and intestine. The uptake of radiolabeled CH3NH2, a proxy for ammonia, was mediated when heterologously expressing Hiat1 in frog oocytes. The uptake was competitively reduced in the presence of 1mM NH4Cl, indicating that ammonia is accepted as a substrate for this transporter. Further, ammonia excretion was reduced in Hiat1 morpholino knockdown zebrafish larvae, indicating the potential role of Hiat1 in ammonia excretion process. In summary, our results suggest that zebrafish Hiat1 is a novel ammonia transport protein that plays a crucial role in nitrogen regulation in fish.

Haonan

Talk Session 8 Abstracts

Title: Environmental cleaning agents to reduce contamination of bat hibernacula with Pseudogymnoascus destructans

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Authors: Alyssa J. Stulberg, Tina L. Cheng, Jeff T. Foster, Katy L. Parise, Daniel L. Lindner, Barrie E. Overton, Quinn E. Fletcher, Kaleigh J.O. Norquay, Winfred F. Frick, Craig K. Willis

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Abstract: Density-independent pathogens threaten the population viability of their hosts, as host abundance does not determine pathogen growth rates or survival. Such an example is the introduction of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), which has devastated hibernating bat populations across North America. The ability of Pd to persist in environmental reservoirs releases the pathogen from density-dependence, enables environment-to-bat transmission, and could result in WNS-driven species extinction. Treatment of environmental reservoirs is therefore a potential method to reduce continental pathogen spread and population-level impacts. Ultraviolet light is a promising option for hibernacula-wide treatment, as Pd lacks the enzymes to repair UV-induced DNA damage. UV light is highly specific to Pd and would minimally impact non-target microbiota. Application of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to hibernacula may also be a successful treatment strategy, as PEG is known to induce water stress in Pd, limiting both hyphal growth and germination of conidia. The objective of my study is to determine the efficacy of UV light and PEG in reducing Pd contamination within hibernacula. I will treat three abandoned mines at the northern- and southernmost frontiers of Pd spread in Ontario, Alabama, and Arkansas before the onset of hibernation. I will measure how a single treatment application changes the fungal load and viability of Pd throughout the year and will quantify non-target effects on the microbial community structure. My results will help inform WNS management plans to protect bat populations and promote potential population recoveries of hibernating bat colonies in North America.

Alyssa

Title: Is wind energy having an effect on migratory bat populations?

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Authors: Brittany Steed

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Abstract: Recent models suggest that factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and especially fatalities at wind turbines, have resulted in declining populations of migratory bat species. In Alberta, silver-haired (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) make up over 80% of bat fatalities at wind turbines. Using mist netting and echolocation recordings, estimates of abundance were made during migration (July-September) from 2006 to 2008 for bats in and around Calgary, Alberta. In July and August 2018, I replicated those measurements at some of the same study sites in Calgary to test the hypothesis that migratory bat populations have declined. Long-term studies of abundance of the migratory species of bats are rare and have not been conducted in Western Canada. Preliminary results from the capture data indicate declines in both species, and the acoustic data are currently being analyzed to verify these results. This study indicates that wind turbines have unintended consequences on bat populations in Alberta. The same may be true across North America. Results from this research should be considered when siting and permitting the construction of new wind facilities. These results may also influence the current wind energy mitigation thresholds. Further results will be presented.

Brittany

Title: Sexual dimorphism in bat wing morphology – variation among foraging styles

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Authors: Dominique Maucieri

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Abstract: Differences in foraging style have morphological consequences within bats, as maneuverability and speed of flight is influenced by the shape and size of the wings. Since bats are viviparous mammals, females will gain roughly 30% again of  body mass as a growing fetus during pregnancy. This drastic but gradual increase in mass during pregnancy will affect the agility and flight efficiency of female bats if they have wings that are the same size and shape as conspecific males,  who do not undergo this weight gain. In order to fill the same ecological niche, female bats would require differently shaped and sized wings in order to maintain maneuverability when foraging in cluttered habitats. My study investigates whether there is sexual dimorphism within bat wing morphology and the degree to which this varies between different foraging styles. I hypothesized that sex and foraging behavior will cause differences in wing size and shape among bat species due to limitations on maneuverability for different foraging strategies. To test this hypothesis, wing photos were taken of captured adult bats in Alberta, Belize and Dominica and analyzed using geometric morphometrics. Wing loading and aspect ratios for all photographed bats were calculated and analyzed. Preliminary results show that there are main effects of sex and foraging style on wing loading and aspect ratio as well as variation within the shapes of bat wings. However this variation may be attributable to interspecific variation. Further results will be presented.

Dominique

Title: Testing the grumpy, lazy bat hypothesis: does white nose syndrome select for antisociality and inactivity in Myotis lucifugus?

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Authors: Lauren Nash

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Abstract: Wildlife populations can experience selective bottlenecks and rapid evolution if human impacts, like human-spread pathogens, lead to major mortality events. White-nose syndrome (WNS), an invasive fungal disease, is devastating North American bat populations in one of the most rapid population declines ever observed for mammals. Traits favouring survival from WNS could, therefore, be under selection in remnant populations. Animal personality traits, like activity and sociability, can affect pathogen transmission and energy balance, and could affect survival from WNS. I used Myotis lucifugus (little brown bats) to test the hypothesis that WNS selects for reduced activity and sociability in WNS survivors. Throughout August 2018, I caught pre-hibernating little brown bats at a hibernaculum in central Manitoba where mortality from WNS was first confirmed in winter 2018.  I used standardized Y-maze (n = 54 bats) and hole-board tests (n = 63 bats), which reliably assess repeatable patterns of sociability and activity in bats, to quantify differences in these personality traits compared to bats assessed prior to WNS in August 2014. My project will help determine if phenotypic selection is occurring in bats because of WNS, and help design conservation strategies to aid recovery of bat populations.

Lauren N

Title: Bat box occupancy in Southern Alberta

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Authors: Lara Elyse Hiles

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Abstract: Roost selection by bats is important for reproduction and survival. These reproductive benefits have resulted in bat roosts being sexually segregated due to the differences in the physiology and energetics of reproductive females versus non-reproductive females and males. The purpose of my research is to examine the characteristics of bat boxes that bats prefer and how these characteristics may vary between maternity colonies and single-bat-occupied boxes. Reproductive females that maintain high, constant body temperatures can maximize fetal growth, so I predicted that maternity colonies would occupy boxes that reached higher internal temperatures. During the summer of 2018 I collected data on 36 bat boxes, including box dimensions, colour, and proximity to potential feeding areas. For each box I also performed exit counts to determine box occupancy. I used temperature probes to observe variation in internal temperature of 7 bat boxes. Preliminary results indicate single bats preferred warmer bat boxes. However maternity colonies preferred boxes that maintained a high, constant internal temperature. I will be investigating the relationship between characteristics of bat boxes and bat box occupancy by maternity colonies versus single bats using models to determine which characteristics predict occupancy. I also have data from the summer of 2017, and I will be examining the consistency of occupancy year to year. Further results will be presented.

Lara

Title: Fly by night: A first look at light-constrained timing and routes of a migrating nocturnal bird

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Authors: Alicia Korpach, Christina Davy, Alex Mills, Kevin Fraser

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Abstract: Traveling during the night is a common strategy for many long-distance migratory bird species. This is because flight at night is more efficient in cooler, denser air; more predators can be avoided; and daylight hours can be spent foraging or used to complete barrier crossings. For highly nocturnal species that may require darkness for both travel and foraging, how migration is optimized is poorly understood. With the relatively recent addition of artificial light to their migratory environment, determining how obligate nocturnal species respond to light is necessary to understand the flexibility of their migratory programs. We used high-precision GPS tracking of a North American nocturnal bird (Eastern Whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus) to investigate dark-restricted migratory flights on their journey to Central American overwintering sites. We found that at least 89% of flights by seven Whip-poor-wills occurred in darkness and all individuals avoided crossing a large water barrier (Gulf of Mexico), which would have required some daytime flight. We also present preliminary evidence that Whip-poor-wills synchronize their migratory flights and stopovers with lunar cycles. Lastly, if birds that rely on darkness for normal activity are constrained by natural light during migration, we hypothesize that artificial light will further affect their migratory timing, route selection, and stopover site selection. We will discuss next steps to investigate the influence of artificial light on Whip-poor-will migratory patterns.

Alicia
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