Presenter(s): Leandro Marx − Biology
Faculty Mentor(s): Thomas Desvignes, John Postlethwait
Poster 53
Research Area: Biology
Funding: University of Oregon Presidential Scholarship, National Science Foundation
Antarctic icefish (Channichthyidae), belong to a family of ray-finned fish endemic to the Southern Ocean (1). With an astonishing set of adaptations, the enigmatic icefish have inspired curiosity since their discovery in 1927 (2). The defining feature of this 16-species family is their “white blood”, which is devoid of hemoglobin — the iron-containing protein that facilitates oxygen transport throughout the body (3,4). Through a series of histological analyses, genetic analyses, and reverse genetic screens, the aim of this research is to identify phenotypic and genotypic adaptations that mitigate the consequences of the unique physiology of the icefish as well as to understand the role of miRNAs (small, regulatory RNA molecules) in red blood cell production (hematopoiesis). Current questions focus primarily on the regulatory role of miRNAs in hematopoiesis. Through differential analysis of miRNA expression between icefish and other ray-finned species, we will select candidate genes that may be involved in the hematopoietic process. Using these target miRNAs, we will generate genetic knockouts in zebrafish using the CRISPR/Cas-9 system and will observe the effects of these genes on hematopoiesis. Although work is currently in progress, successful completion of this research will develop a greater understanding of the unique physiology of icefish and the role of understudied miRNAs in the genetic regulation of hematopoiesis. In addition to helping us understand the evolution of developmental mechanisms, results may be relevant to human anemia diseases because miRNAs circulating in the bloodstream are thought to be potential disease therapies (5).