| 项目编号: | 1701006
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| 项目名称: | DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Epigenetic Effects of an Invasive Parasite on an Avian Host |
| 作者: | Dale Clayton
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| 承担单位: | University of Utah
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| 批准年: | 2017
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| 开始日期: | 2017-07-01
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| 结束日期: | 2018-06-30
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| 资助金额: | 19434
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| 资助来源: | US-NSF
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| 项目类别: | Standard Grant
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| 国家: | US
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| 语种: | 英语
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| 特色学科分类: | Biological Sciences - Environmental Biology
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| 英文关键词: | parasite
; research
; fly parasite
; epigenetic mechanism
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| 英文摘要: | The goal of this research is to understand how processes that modify the function of genes without changing the DNA sequence affect the defense of Galapagos mockingbirds against an introduced and sometimes lethal parasitic fly. This modification may enable the host to respond quickly to parasitism and reduce its negative effects. The parasite lives in the nests of this and other species of birds in the Galapagos and feeds on nestlings, and is a threat to their survival. Studying how this modification acts as a rapid defense against parasites will provide insights into how animals adapt to new environmental threats. This project will involve training undergraduates in field biology techniques and scientific writing. It will also incorporate workshops for Galapagos National Park rangers and tour guides to help develop strategies for monitoring and controlling this pest species in the Galapagos.
This project will analyze DNA methylation patterns of mockingbirds studied during four field seasons: two in which mockingbirds were tolerant to the fly parasite, P. downsi, and two in which the fly caused high mortality. During the field study, mockingbird nests were either fumigated with permethrin, a dilute insecticide, that killed the parasite, or sham-fumigated as a control, that let the nests be naturally infested. Growth, health and fledging success of parasitized and non-parasitized nestlings were compared and nestlings were sampled for blood twice during the nestling period. These blood samples, along with samples collected from study birds later recaptured as adults, will be analyzed for variation in methylation patterns. DNA methylation analysis will allow the researchers to identify genes that are affected by parasitism in tolerant vs. non-tolerant years as well as to investigate whether methylation alterations persist to adulthood and are potentially even heritable. The results of this research will provide new insights into epigenetic mechanisms of rapid adaptation in wild populations. |
| 资源类型: | 项目
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| 标识符: | http://119.78.100.158/handle/2HF3EXSE/89900
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| Appears in Collections: | 全球变化的国际研究计划
科学计划与规划
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| Recommended Citation: | |
Dale Clayton. DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Epigenetic Effects of an Invasive Parasite on an Avian Host. 2017-01-01.
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