Chemical Ecology
Many animals rely on their sense of smell to interact with the environment and other animals, such as mates or competitors. A long-time goal of our research has been to elucidate the signal structures, neural substrates, physiological mechanisms, and behavioral responses that enable animals to make decisions using information from chemical cues.
We are interested in chemical ecology for two primary reasons: 1) the chemical senses represent the oldest and most widespread channel for animals to gather information and are therefore especially useful for studying the evolution of communication and sensory behaviors in general. 2) the critical role of chemical cues in the biology of many animals makes them a potentially useful tool for invasive species control and native species conservation. Much of our work within this theme focuses on pheromone communication in sea lamprey, but we also study pheromones in other fish such as lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) and olfactory imprinting to environmental odors in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and cisco (Coregonus artedi). |
Genomics
We recently began a second major line of research on genome editing in sea lamprey. As an extant member of the jawless vertebrate lineage, sea lamprey and its genome contain information essential for understanding vertebrate origin and evolution. CRISPR and other genome modification tools provide an incredible tool to understand the genetic underpinnings of lamprey biology, test hypotheses about vertebrate evolution, and identify potential aspects of sea lamprey that might be exploited for control.
Characteristics of sea lamprey life history and genome impose unique challenges for genome editing. This animal develops through a complex life cycle (3~10+ years), only breeds in the spring before senescence, and has not been cultured to the adult stage in captivity. These features render it difficult to evaluate gene function throughout sea lamprey life cycle. To circumvent these obstacles, zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a generation time of three months and ability to spawn daily, will be used concurrently with sea lamprey in our genetic modification research. This research is being done strictly in contained laboratory conditions, not in the wild.
Relevant Links:
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Characteristics of sea lamprey life history and genome impose unique challenges for genome editing. This animal develops through a complex life cycle (3~10+ years), only breeds in the spring before senescence, and has not been cultured to the adult stage in captivity. These features render it difficult to evaluate gene function throughout sea lamprey life cycle. To circumvent these obstacles, zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a generation time of three months and ability to spawn daily, will be used concurrently with sea lamprey in our genetic modification research. This research is being done strictly in contained laboratory conditions, not in the wild.
Relevant Links:
Great Lakes Fishery Commission