Genetic Indicators Research Molecular Ecology Research Branch NERL Overview- Genetic diversity within species Gene induction (expression) research Some considerations for transplanting genetically resistant organisms

Research Goals GPRA- Goal By 2008, develop indicators and monitoring designs for a national stream and coastal survey. FY00 APM - A draft report on the feasibility of genetic and molecular biomarkers as an indirect measure of pesticide, toxics, and metals exposure to fish in the Eastern Cornbelt Plains ecoregion.

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population sustainability

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population sustainability –The ability of an organism to adapt to changing environmental conditions is dependent on genetic variation

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population sustainability –The ability of an organism to adapt to changing environmental conditions is dependent on genetic variation –For small, threatened populations, inbreeding increases the probability of extinction

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population integrity

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population integrity –Forces that influence genetic diversity (selection, mutation, migration, drift) do so through their effects on populations Dispersal Population size Reproductive success

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population integrity –Forces that influence genetic diversity (selection, mutation, migration, drift) do so through their effects on populations –Can estimate key population parameters with genetic information Effective population size Effective migration rates

Genetic Diversity Indicator Indicator of population integrity –Forces that influence genetic diversity (selection, mutation, migration, drift) do so through their effects on populations –Cumulative indicator of condition

HCVHSSMTDPL PLOMSZBK 1 2 DNA Fingerprints

Genetic Diversity Indicator Major Products- Regional genetic diversity profile for populations of the central stoneroller in the Eastern Cornbelt Plains Ecoregion –Report by end of the year

Genetic Diversity Indicator Major Products- Regional genetic diversity profile for populations of the central stoneroller in the Eastern Cornbelt Plains Ecoregion Regional multi-species genetic diversity profile for mid-eastern US. –Report for stonerollers by end of next year

ECBP and MAIA Sampling sites

Genetic Diversity Indicator Other Projects- Genetic diversity profile for creek chubs in the coal-bearing regions of WV, VI

Genetic Diversity Indicator Other Projects- Genetic diversity profile for creek chubs in the coal-bearing regions of WV, VI Genetic structure of mummichog populations adapted to high concentrations of PAHs. –Collaboration with NHEERL- Narragansett

Gene Expression Indictor Diagnostic indicators of exposure

Control of Gene Expression DNA 1 transcriptional control 2 RNA processing control primary RNA transcript mRNA NUCLEUS CYTOSOL 4 protein activity control 3 translation control protein inactive protein nuclear pore nuclear envelope

Gene Expression Indicator Diagnostic indicators of exposure –Detect ‘first cellular event’ following exposure

Gene Expression Indicator Diagnostic indicators of exposure –Detect ‘first cellular event’ following exposure –Highly sensitive to even trace materials

Gene Expression Indicator Diagnostic indicators of exposure –Detect ‘first cellular event’ following exposure –Highly sensitive to even trace materials –Highly diagnostic of exposure to specific classes of stressors

Molecular methods have been developed to detect changes in: Vitellogenin gene expression –Exposure to estrogenic compounds Cytochrome P450IA1 gene expression –Exposure to PAHs Metallothionein gene expression –Exposure to metals

Major Products Estrogenic compound indicator –Method in place for rainbow trout, fathead minnow PAH indicator –Method under development through cooperative agreement Metals indicator –Method in place for rainbow trout

Estrogenic Activity indicator control Vitellogenin 18S rRNA

Some considerations regarding transplantation of adapted organisms and communities

Transplantation Issues 1.Is the population really adapted to mining impact area? Adaptation or acclimation? Bioavailability differences between sites? Adapted to same or different stressor profiles?

Transplantation Issues 2. Will the mitigation create new problems ? Will the transplants interbreed with nearby locally adapted populations? Will the population need constant supplementation? Will an artificial selection program need to be created?

Transplantation Issues 3. Research need: an ability to predict population responses to stressors: acclimation, adaptation, or extinction Depends on: Magnitude and novelty of stressor Number of genes involved in response Genetic diversity of response genes Rate of environmental change

Possible contributions by EPA genetics researchers Assessment of bioavailability differences between sites –Metallothionein gene expression Assessment of population structure/ gene flow within region –Most appropriate transplant populations –Potential for introgression with native stocks –Monitoring of population status