Líffræðifélag Íslands
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2015
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V57
Sigríður Rut Franzdóttir, Kalina H. Kapralova, Ingi Björn Ómarsson, Ásrún María Óttarsdóttir, Zophonías O. Jónsson
Institute of Life- and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland.
Kynnir / Presenter: Sigríður Rut Franzdóttir
Tengiliður / Corresponding author: Sigríður Rut Franzdóttir (sirrut@hi.is)
We have gathered data on gene expression (mRNA and miRNA) during the development of craniofacial elements in benthic and limnetic Arctic charr morphs from Þingvallavatn, and found interesting associations between expression and phenotype, as well as identifying potential miRNA-mRNA target pairs. Working with a non-model species, we only have limited tools to determine whether a given association is functionally relevant, i.e., causative for the observed phenotypic differences. Therefore, we are in the process of setting up functional assays, both in vivo, by using zebrafish as a representative model for teleost fishes, and in vitro in cell culture. Furthermore, in order to validate miRNA-mRNA target pairs, we must employ the same models. In the poster we give an overview of these assays and initial experiments. We have found that the transcription factor Ets2 may regulate a network of genes differentially expressed between benthic and limnetic morphs (Ahi et al., EvoDevo, 2014). Ets2 and the gene network are expressed in the perichondrium of the developing lower jaw, where the events of jaw morphogenesis are likely to be taking place. The microRNA miR-199a is also expressed in the same pattern, but expression levels are anticorrelated with ets2 expression (Kapralova et al., PlosOne, 2014). The 3‘UTR of ets2 mRNA harbours a conserved binding motif for miR-199a making the validation of this miRNA/target pair highly interesting.