Download MH-2 Investigating the expression cyp1A and AhR genes in

MH-2 Investigating the expression cyp1A and AhR genes in Antarctic Notothenoid icefish
Supervisors: Ted Henry and Mark Hartl. In collaboration with Prof Helmut Segner and Dr
Annelli Strobel (University of Bern)
The aim of this project is to examine the expression of cyp1A and AhR genes involved in Antarctic
Notothenoid icefish. These genes code for proteins involved in the detoxification process of organic
pollutants, such as PAHs. However, cyp1a activity expressed as EROD activity in some Antarctic
Notothenoids has been shown to be impaired by rising temperatures. The exact cause is unknown, but
could involve under expression of AhR genes which would prevent upregulation of cyp1A.
This project will involve detecting gene expression in PAH exposed zebra fish larvae. As the
Antarctic samples provided will not come from controlled exposure experiments, the zebrafish will
serve as an optimization and training exercise. The student will then apply the same molecular
techniques to samples from Notothenoid fish taken from locations close to various research stations
compared to specimens sampled in open waters. We would also seek to compare two icefish species
on different trophic levels, e.g. Champsocephalus gunnari (benthic, planktivorous) vs.
Chaenocephalus aceratus (bentho-pelagic, piscivorous).