The UTC Graduate School is pleased to announce that William Hanson-Regan will present Master’s research titled, Geographical, ecological, and genetic drivers of gut microbial diversity in native and invasive minnows of the genus Cyprinella (Actinopterygii: Leuciscidae) on 08/11/2023 at 2:00 PM in Holt 208. Everyone is invited to attend.
Environmental Science
Chair: Francesca Leasi
Co-Chair:
Abstract:
Within vertebrate digestive systems reside a vast array of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is known to play an important role in many of the host’s physiological processes, and investigating this relationship is crucial in understanding the adaptation of an animal to its environment. Species invasions offer a natural model in which to study how an abrupt change in environment might impact the gut microbiome. We compared the gut microbiomes of four species of freshwater fish belonging to the genus Cyprinella, including both native and introduced populations of the prolific invader Cyprinella lutrensis, to investigate if differences in their diversity and structure are determined phylogenetically or can change depending on the ecology and geographical location where they occur. We sequenced the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions to test for differences in microbial alpha diversity and community composition between species and collection sites. We also sequenced the 18S rRNA gene V9 region to test for the effects of host diet on microbial community composition. A significant host effect was observed between both species and sites, and there was significant correlation between the host diet (18S) and microbial community composition. Altogether, our results suggest that host genetics, diet, and geography all play significant roles in defining intestinal microbiota.