Hormones, toxicants and fish metabolism

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Organisms have evolved a complex suite of biochemical and physiological mechanisms to adjust to changes in their environment. Significant interactions occur between these mechanisms to ensure system balance and appropriate function under a variety of conditions. The long-term objective of my research program is to better understand the interplay between animal physiology and environment especially as it relates to metabolic processes and the impact of natural (hormones) and artificial (man-made, toxicants and pharmaceuticals) chemicals on these processes. Metabolism differs significantly between groups and species and is a sensitive indicator of environmental change. As vertebrates, teleost fishes share the hormones and complex signaling systems present across species within this group although with specific functional distinctions. As fish are in intimate contact with their aquatic environment, are found in a variety of aquatic environments, have distinct nutrient requirements, and represent the largest number of vertebrate species they represent ideal species to examine these animal-environment interactions and to test the affects of these environments on biodiversity. Over the next five years, my research program will examine three complimentary research approaches to better define the role of metabolism in animal-environment interactions. Specifically we will examine 1) the phylogeny and function of adrenoceptors, 2) differentiate between a central (brain) and peripheral (tissue) impact of toxicants on fish performance, and 3) define the role of cellular energy and nutrient sensors in the partitioning of nutrients within cells exposed to specific nutrient and environmental stressors. Graduate students will employ an integrative approach assessing whole animal and molecular responses to define the bases for the interactions between animals and their environments. The metabolic approach used is crucial for our understanding of the functional significance of hormones and toxicants on fish function while ultimately assisting in the development of diets for aquaculture that are sustainable both ecologically and physiologically.