Project description:In 2013, two large-scale Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) mortality episodes were reported on separate coasts of Florida. The east coast mortality episode was associated with an unknown etiology in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The west coast mortality episode was attributed to a persistent Karenia brevis algal bloom or ‘red tide’ centered in Southwest Florida. To investigate these two mortality episodes, proteomic experiments using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) followed by protein identification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were conducted, along with a separate gel-free analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) LC-MS/MS. In comparison to the control group, manatees from the IRL, an area associated with an unknown mortality episode, displayed increased levels of several proteins in their serum samples. These increased proteins, which were identified in the iTRAQ experiment, included kininogen-1 isoform 1 (average ratio 1.38), protein AMBP (1.38), histidine-rich glycoprotein (1.34), properdin (1.30), and complement C4-A isoform 1 (1.25). In the red tide group, ceruloplasmin (2.32), pyruvate kinase isozymes M1/M2 isoform 3 (2.29), angiotensinogen (2.08), complement C4-A isoform 1 (1.83), and complement C3 (1.42) were increased. The proteins kininogen-1 isoform 1, histidine-rich glycoprotein, complement C4-A isoform 1, angiotensinogen, and complement C3 were also identified in increased levels in the 2D-DIGE experiment (Table 2b). These proteins are associated with acute-phase response, amyloid formation and accumulation, copper and iron homeostasis, the complement cascade pathway, and other important cellular functions. The increased level of complement C4 protein observed in both the red tide and unknown mortality episode groups was confirmed through the use of Western Blot.
Project description:Transcriptional analysis of the effects of natural environmental variation across the vertical distribution of Mytilus californianus within a single mussel bed Keywords: Environmental Response 30 Biological replicates from plots sampled at 3 different verticle tide heights above the MLLW at Strawberry Hill Oregon. 15 mussels were sampled after a mid-day emmersion event and 15 mussels were sampled after a 1 hour recovery at ambient seawater temperatures. 1 replicate per array, compared using a common reference sample. 50 Biological replicates for 5 plots sampled at 2 different verticle tide heights above the MLLW at Boiler Bay Oregon. 25 mussels were sampled after a mid-day emmersion event and 25 mussels were sampled after a 1 hour recovery at ambient seawater temperatures. Pooled RNA from 5 biological replicates from each plot per array, compared using a common reference sample.
Project description:To investigate a Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) mortality event following a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida, a RNA-Seq experiment was conducted. Cell processes such as immune response, cell proliferation and differentiation and apoptosis were among the most affected by red tide. These were involved in potential diseases such as neoplasms, inflammation, and wounds and injuries, among others. There were both up-regulated and down-regulated genes, but the highest fold changes relative to controls were for genes that were down-regulated. Piccolo presynaptic cytomatrix protein (PCLO) gene, the one most down-regulated (fold change -9.93; p-value 0.0009) is associated with neurotransmitter release, cognitive functioning, neuronal loss, and neuronal synapse function. Another gene that has a similar function, ankyrin 2, neuronal, transcript variant 1 (ANK2) was also down-regulated (fold change -8.66; p-value 0.0023). ANK2 is associated with the stability of neuron synapses. Two immune genes, interleukin 6 (interferon, beta 2) (IL6) and zinc finger protein 804B (ZNF804B), were down-regulated (fold change -9.31; p-value 0.000003 and fold change -8.90; p-value 0.0164, respectively). Interleukin 6 encodes proteins involved in acute phase response, inflammation, and autoimmune response. ZNF804B is associated with neuronal chemokine and cytokine regulation, autoimmune response, and immune activation. The family with sequence similarity 186, member A (FAM186A) gene was down-regulated (fold change -8.79; p-value 0.0143). FAM186A gene mutation is associated with tumor metastasis in colorectal cancer tumors. Among the most up-regulated genes, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) is involved in granulocytic differentiation and also involved with the immune system. Determining the differentially expressed genes associated with red tide enhances our understanding of manatee immune response to red tide toxins and aids in the development of red tide biomarkers. This information will better assist clinicians and researchers in diagnosing and treating future illnesses.
Project description:Expression diversity of P. ramorum isolates belonging to the NA1 clonal lineage growing on solid CV8 was examined. It was found that although all the analyzed isolates belonged to a single clonal lineage, expression patterns were distinctive between isolates originating from coast live oak and California bay laurel.
Project description:Seatwater total organic matter from the red tide event in April/May 2020. Samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS in pos mode using DDA and IODA.
2020-07-18 | MSV000085777 | GNPS
Project description:microbial diversity on Haizhou Bay red tide high incidence area
Project description:Expression diversity of P. ramorum isolates belonging to the NA1 clonal lineage growing on solid CV8 was examined. It was found that although all the analyzed isolates belonged to a single clonal lineage, expression patterns were distinctive between isolates originating from coast live oak and California bay laurel. Global expression patterns of 13 isolates originating from coastal live oak and California bay laurel was investigated. No biological replicates were generated. The sequenced strain Pr102 was included. Gene models Phytophthora ramorum v1.0 were used to construct NimbleGen 72K x4 custom arrays.
Project description:The distinctive and visually striking wooden masks associated with the Bwa culture in Burkina Faso, West Africa, are carved from a soft wood into different shapes and display various geometrical patterns and symbols according to the purpose. One of their characteristic features is the use of the colors black, red and white, which evoke the three major rivers crossing the country: the Black, Red and White Voltas. According to published accounts of scholars who have worked directly with the artists, the materials used to obtain these colors include reptile excrement for the white, iron-rich stones powdered and mixed with egg or plant gums for the red, and boiled Acacia seed pods for the black, as well as modern materials such as enamel paint in some cases. A group of four Bwa masks in the Arts of Africa collection of the Art Institute of Chicago was investigated using a complement of analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and mass spectrometry based proteomics to characterize their painting materials. The results obtained corroborate the published accounts, while also providing new insights into the nature of the coloring materials and the selection and substitution of pigments and binders. These findings highlight the complementary value of scientific research, in combination with field work and artists’ accounts, to generate a fuller understanding and appreciation of this traditional artistic practice.