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Research on (genetic) adaptation to global warming. This research looks at the potential for populations of aquatic animals to genetically adapt to detrimental temperatures; similar to the development of resistance to pesticides, antibiotics, and metals. So far we have looked at the presence of differences in heat tolerance among conspecific populations of fish (least killifish Heterandria formosa and eastern mosquitofish Gambusia affinis) inhabiting sites with a different thermal regime, the presence of genetic variation for heat tolerance in laboratory populations (regular and bottlenecked populations), and we have subjected least killifish populations (again regular and bottlenecked ones) to selection for an increased heat tolerance. This project builds on this lab's earlier research investigating adaptation to metals and on research investigating thermal tolerance (see "previous research projects").
Research on acclimation to metals in fish. Our earlier research looked at the ability of various aquatic organisms to acclimate to individual contaminants (metals, hydrocarbons) and contaminant mixtures (see "previous research projects"). The ongoing research is taking a more detailed look the specific pre-exposure concentrations and durations required for acclimation; specific physiological changes that are underlying the acclimation response; and consequences with respect to energetics and fitness. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Frédéric Silvestre (Université de Namur, Belgium) and Joseph Adeyemi (Ph.D. student).
Research on proteomic changes associated with increased tolerance brought about by acclimation & adaptation to environmental stressors. Earlier projects on acclimation and (especially) adaptation in our lab have investigated specific underlying mechanisms. This limits us to known mechanisms. The approach being taken with proteomics is to take a broad look at changes in the proteome following acclimation or adaptation. This may identify novel mechanisms involved in resistance/tolerance, as well as result in the discovery of novel biomarkers. This research is also being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Dr. Frédéric Silvestre (Université de Namur, Belgium) and Joseph Adeyemi (Ph.D. student).
Research in benthic ecology on the interplay between sediment bioturbators and sediment metal dynamics. This research, conducted with ghost shrimp, has demonstrated that the activities of this abundant bioturbator is affecting sediment metal levels. Future research will be investigating potential mechanisms responsible for this effect.
Contact information: Dr. Paul L. Klerks, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Box 42451, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA. E-mail: klerks@louisiana.edu
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