Grantee Research Project Results
Linking Biological Scales Across Generations: An Estuarine and Marine Model for Measuring The Ecological Impact of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
EPA Grant Number: R835799Title: Linking Biological Scales Across Generations: An Estuarine and Marine Model for Measuring The Ecological Impact of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
Investigators: Brander, Susanne M , Mehinto, Alvine C , Connon, Richard E , White, J. Wilson
Current Investigators: Brander, Susanne M , White, J. Wilson , Mehinto, Alvine C , Connon, Richard E
Institution: Oregon State University , University of California - Davis , Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority
Current Institution: Oregon State University , Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority , University of California - Davis
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2018 (Extended to May 31, 2020)
Project Amount: $399,884
RFA: Systems-Based Research for Evaluating Ecological Impacts of Manufactured Chemicals (2014) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Chemical Safety for Sustainability
Objective:
We plan to determine the effects ofbifenthrin and levonorgestrel on Menidia beryllina across the molecular, organismal, and population levels and three generations (P, F1, F2) (Obj 1). Reared offspring of exposed parent generation will be examined for epigenetic carry-over effects for the same endpoints (Obj 2). These in vivo responses will be linked to in vitro cellular assays (Obj 3). A mathematical model of fish population dynamics will scale up experimental results to predict the effects of contaminant exposures on the persistence of Menidia populations (Obj 4) and on the persistence of other species (Obj 5).
Approach:
We will use a combination of qPCR and DNA Methyl-Seq (molecular level), gonad histology, PHA immune assay (organism level), and a 21-day reproductive assay (organismal) and population model (population level). The unexposed F l and F2 generations will undergo the same assays. In vitro assays will evaluate 5-endocrine related endpoints for each chemical, including ER, AR, CYPlA, CYP3A, and PXR.
Expected Results:
1) We expect to find that the novel EDCs (bifenthrin, levonorgestrel) produce higher-level effects similar to those of positive-control EDCs, but that the molecular initiating events (assayed in vitro) will differ between those compounds. 2) We expect to fmd that exposure of P generation eggs will produce carryover epigenetic effects in Fl and F2 generations. 3) Modeling results will reveal emergent population-level effects of different EDC exposures on persistence and dynamics. Outputs will include publications, a sequenced Menidia genome, and training for students and early career investigators. Outcomes will include 1) evidence for epigenetic effects that could be included in future EDSP efforts; 2) Development of a fish model relevant to estuarine and marine habitats; and 3) AOP evaluation for two EDCs of emerging concern.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 10 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
ecological effects, multiple scales, molecular initiating eventProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.