MCAA: Development of Laboratory Skills in Molecular Biology to Examine Patterns of Calcitonin and Calcitonin Receptor Gene Expression in Cartilaginous Fishes.

MCAA：发展分子生物学的实验室技能，以检测软骨鱼类中降钙素和降钙素受体基因的表达模式。主要研究人员：James Gelsleichter这种激素降钙素以其减少哺乳动物骨骼脱矿的能力而闻名，由于这一作用，它经常被用于患有骨质疏松症、Paget病或类似骨骼疾病的患者。然而，尽管降钙素对骨骼疾病有治疗价值，但越来越多的证据表明，降钙素的真正生理功能可能是调节脊椎动物生殖的某些方面。最近，PI已经展示了类似的证据，表明降钙素在生育鲨鱼和白鲨的怀孕期间调节事件的作用，这是已知的最古老的脊椎动物群体，拥有上颧腺，降钙素的产生地点。在这个项目中，PI将接受新的分子生物学培训，将通过检测怀孕雌性射线及其后代中降钙素和降钙素受体基因的表达模式，阐明降钙素在脊椎动物繁殖中的作用。在完成了在佛罗里达大学生物技术研究跨学科中心为期3周的分子生物学、蛋白质化学和生物信息学的强化培训课程后，PI和两名实习生将利用RT-PCR、Northern印迹分析和原位杂交来确定：1)以前被证明发生在该物种怀孕期间的多鳃部腺活动增加是否反映了降钙素产生的变化；2)多鳃部腺以外的组织是否合成降钙素；以及3)降钙素受体在哪里表达，以及这些表达模式是否在生殖过程中发生变化。通过获得这些信息，该项目将大大提高对软骨鱼类的生殖生理和内分泌功能以及降钙素在脊椎动物中的作用的了解。此外，这笔赠款支持的培训和实验室仪器设备将加强国际和平研究所实验室的研究和学生培训机会的基础设施。PI是一名太平洋岛民原住民研究人员，他对自己的研究领域和本科科学教育做出了重大贡献，特别是对服务不足的少数群体的贡献。

MCAA: Development of laboratory skills in molecular biology to examine patterns of calcitonin and calcitonin receptor gene expression in cartilaginous fishes. Principal Investigator: James GelsleichterThe hormone calcitonin is best known for its ability to reduce bone demineralization in mammals and, as a result of this action, it is regularly administered to patients experiencing osteoporosis, Paget's disease, or similar skeletal maladies. However, despite its therapeutic value for skeletal diseases, a growing body of evidence has suggested that the true physiological function of calcitonin may be to regulate certain aspects of vertebrate reproduction. Recently, the PI has demonstrated similar evidence of a role for calcitonin in regulating events during pregnancy in live-bearing sharks and rays, the oldest living vertebrate group known to possess the ultimobranchial gland, the site of calcitonin production. In this project, the PI will receive new training in molecular biology, which will clarify the roles of calcitonin in elasmobranch reproduction by examining patterns of calcitonin and calcitonin receptor gene expression in gravid female rays and their offspring. Following completion of an intensive, 3-week training course in molecular biology, protein chemistry, and bioinformatics at the University of Florida's Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, the PI and two student interns will utilize RT-PCR, Northern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization to determine: 1) if increases in ultimobranchial gland activity previously shown to occur during pregnancy in this species reflect changes in calcitonin production; 2) if tissues other than the ultimobranchial gland synthesize calcitonin; and 3) where calcitonin receptors are expressed and if these expression patterns change during reproduction. By obtaining this information, this project will significantly advance knowledge regarding both reproductive physiology and endocrine function in the cartilaginous fishes and the role of calcitonin in vertebrates. Furthermore, both the training and laboratory instrumentation supported by this grant will enhance the infrastructure for research and student training opportunities in the PI's laboratory. The PI is a Native Pacific Islander researcher who makes significant contributions to both his field of study and undergraduate science education, especially that for underserved minority groups.