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Characterization of Ontogenetic Changes in Gene Expression in the Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas
Citation:
JOHNS, S. M., M. D. KANE, N. DENSLOW, N. DENSLOW, K. H. WATANABE, E. F. ORLANDO, D. L. VILLENEUVE, G. T. ANKLEY, AND M. S. SEPULVEDA. Characterization of Ontogenetic Changes in Gene Expression in the Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, FL, 28(4 ):873-880, (2009).
Impact/Purpose:
Knowledge of the normal changes in gene expression during embryo and larva development will allow for better experimental design and selection of suitable biomarkers when testing the potential toxicological effects of contaminants in this model fish species.
Description:
The fathead minnow Pimephales promelas is often used for ecotoxicological studies in the US and elsewhere. Recently, researchers have begun looking at changes in gene expression in this species after contaminant exposure, mostly as a way to unravel novel mechanisms of action, as well as develop biomarkers of exposure and effects. However, the bulk of this research has been conducted on adult stage fish with only a limited number of studies focused on early-life stages. The present work constitutes the first attempt to characterize ontogenetic changes on gene expression during the first month of development in this fish species. A selected number of genes important in growth, development, and reproduction in teleost fish were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Knowledge of the normal changes in gene expression during embryo and larva development will allow for better experimental design and selection of suitable biomarkers when testing the potential toxicological effects of contaminants in this model fish species.
