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R/F-77
Stimulation of growth hormone and growth factor gene expression in shellfish: Effects of growth hormone on larval, juvenile, and adult life stages of eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica
Principal Investigator:
Thomas T. ChenStart/End Year:
1992 - 1994Institution:
Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology InstituteCo-Principal Investigator:
Kennedy T. Paynter, Jr, University of Maryland, College ParkTopic(s):
Description:
By applying recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering, our long term objective is to investigate strategies for improving growth rates of finfish and shellfish in aquaculture via manipulating growth hormone (GH) and growth factor genes. Our specific aims for the next two years are to: continue gene transfer studies in carp, catfish and striped bass; identify and clone cDNA of GH and growth factor genes from oysters; determine the levels of expression of these genes during various growth phases; determine culture conditions which can elevate the expression of GH and growth factor genes; study the effect of biosynthetic GH on growth of larvae, juveniles and adults; and transfer GH and growth factor genes into oysters by electroporation.
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Featured Fellow
Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.
Featured Research Project
Developing a habitat model for mysids, an important link in Chesapeake Bay food webs
Mysids are important mesozooplankton prey for many species of fish in Chesapeake Bay and are an important link in transferring energy from lower to upper trophic levels. Mysids also serve as biological vectors for benthic-pelagic coupling due to their diel vertical migration and omnivorous prey-switching behavior, which makes mysids important regulators of food web architecture. Despite their central role in coastal food webs, surprisingly little is known about mysid ecology and dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.
