DNA Methylation in the Response to Stress of Channel Catfish
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Aaron Schrey
Faculty Mentor Email
aschrey@georgiasouthern.edu
Presentation Type and Release Option
Research Poster Presentation with Supplemental Video (File Not Available for Download)
Location
COUR Symposium 2021
Presentation Year
2021
Start Date
4-19-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
April 2021
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of phenomenon that change gene expression without changing DNA sequence. DNA methylation is the addition of a methyl group to the base cytosine. This is locally inhibitory to binding of regulatory proteins and is used to regulate gene expression. One way we know animals use DNA methylation is in their response to environmental stress. One common environmental stressor is human made dams that are used to alter the flow of rivers. Channel catfish are a common river species that may be affected by this stressor. Rivers in Illinois have been altered by dams. These dams change the habit, which may cause physiological stress to the fish. My research question is, in these stressful environments, do channel catfish alter their DNA methylation? If so, they could be using DNA methylation to fine-tune their gene expression to change their phenotypes in response to the stress. I used epiRADseq to measure DNA methylation in channel catfish from multiple locations, some interrupted by dams. I will test patterns of DNA methylation to see if there are detectible differences associated with the presence of dams. I will test the statistical hypothesis that there are no significant differences in DNA methylation among individuals predicted by the presence of dams.
Academic Unit
Department of Biology
DNA Methylation in the Response to Stress of Channel Catfish
COUR Symposium 2021
Epigenetics is the study of phenomenon that change gene expression without changing DNA sequence. DNA methylation is the addition of a methyl group to the base cytosine. This is locally inhibitory to binding of regulatory proteins and is used to regulate gene expression. One way we know animals use DNA methylation is in their response to environmental stress. One common environmental stressor is human made dams that are used to alter the flow of rivers. Channel catfish are a common river species that may be affected by this stressor. Rivers in Illinois have been altered by dams. These dams change the habit, which may cause physiological stress to the fish. My research question is, in these stressful environments, do channel catfish alter their DNA methylation? If so, they could be using DNA methylation to fine-tune their gene expression to change their phenotypes in response to the stress. I used epiRADseq to measure DNA methylation in channel catfish from multiple locations, some interrupted by dams. I will test patterns of DNA methylation to see if there are detectible differences associated with the presence of dams. I will test the statistical hypothesis that there are no significant differences in DNA methylation among individuals predicted by the presence of dams.
