From molecules to mammals: multi-level hormone analysis in the field and lab

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The endocrine system is a key regulatory mechanism in species across the animal kingdom. Hormones are produced by the endocrine system and control a wide range of animal behaviours and biological processes (e.g. aggression, reproduction, aging, stress responses). Also, exposure to hormones and their synthetic mimics in the environment can have important effects of animals. For example, aquatic and amphibious animals exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as synthetic estrogens, can have altered development and reproduction. Measuring hormone concentrations in plasma, tissue or from an animal's environment is critical to understand the endocrine regulation of development and behavior. However, extracting hormones for measurement from their biological matrices is complicated, particularly when working with samples that are rich in lipids and/or proteins such as egg yolk, whole animal samples (small fish, plankton) and tissues (brain, liver, muscle). Solid phase extraction (SPE) is one method by which samples can be purified prior to downstream analysis with immunoassays, HPLC, etc. We are requesting funds to purchase a unique and state-of-the-art SPE robot to accurately and reliably conduct hormone extractions from the above mentioned sample types. This robot system will enable high-throughput sample preparation so that purified hormone extracts can be readily quantified. The requested equipment is fundamental to the four research programs highlighted in the application and will be used to prepare hundreds of samples each week.