Winners of the Undersea Explorer ACRS Student Award - 2006

Name of applicant
Alejandro Reyes

University
James Cook University

Department/City
Molecular Sciences

Degree: PhD
State of progress: Third year

Mailing address
Molecular Sciences James Cook University 4811

Phone
47814553

Email
Alejandro.reyes@jcu.edu.au

Date of start: 06/06 /03
Expected date of completion: 06/01/07


PROJECT SUMMARY (approximately 100 words)

We are characterizing genes in the model scleractinian, Acropora millepora that are candidates for roles in calcification, We have identified two Acropora genes whose products are clearly related to the major matrix protein from Galaxea sp (galaxin); these are likely to play key roles in architecture of the coral organic matrix and therefore in coral colony morphology. It is known that coral species can display different morphologies depending on the conditions at which their colonies are located. By studying the levels of expression and sequences of key organic matrix proteins from colonies at different depths and locations, we will investigate the cellular mechanisms by which colony morphology is established and regulated.

Name of applicant
Miss Lynda Curtis

University
University of Queensland

Department/City
School of Integrative Biology

Degree: PhD/ MSc/ Hons/ other:PhD
State of progress:2nd year

Mailing address
12 Lynford Place, Bridgeman Downs, QLD 4035

Phone
(07) 3365 3144

Email
l.curtis@sib.uq.edu.au

Date of start: March 2005
Expected date of completion March 2008

PROJECT SUMMARY (approximately 100 words)

Blood parasites are common in vertebrates in the aquatic environment, with many fish species in both marine and freshwater systems serving as hosts. Among the commonest blood parasites of fishes are the haemogregarines, which are apicomplexan, intracellular parasites of the red and white blood cells, and are broadly related to the parasites that cause malaria in humans. Surprisingly, little work has been done on the occurrence of such blood parasites in coral reef fish on the Great Barrier Reef. As with the transmission of malaria, blood parasites in fishes may be transmitted via arthropod vectors such as ectoparasitic gnathiid isopods, which are ubiquitous on the reef. This study will be the first quantitative investigation designed to examine blood parasites in coral reef fish and the factors which may affect the prevalence and intensity of the infection in the host.

Name of applicant
Maxi Eckes

University
University of Queensland

Department/City
School of Integrative Biology

Degree: PhD/ MSc/ Hons/ other: Hons Class I
State of progress: undertaking PhD

Mailing address
University of Queensland, School of Integrative Biology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072

Phone
07-33657523

Email
s4084547@student.uq.edu.au

Date of start: (PhD) February 2006. Project started in Feb 2005 (Honours)
Expected date of completion: April 2009


PROJECT SUMMARY (approximately 100 words)

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is detrimental to marine organisms. However, most organisms possess defence mechanisms that act either to prevent UVR-induced DNA damage via behavioural and chemical strategies (eg. Mycosporine-like Amino Acids) or to repair the UVR-induced damage after it has occurred (eg. Photolyase DNA-repair system).

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are compounds that serve as sunscreens, which absorb damaging UVR. MAAs in fish are secreted into the external epithelial mucus which provides a sheath of protection from UVR. Many species are unable to synthesise their own MAAs and information on the acquisition of these sunscreen compounds through the marine trophic web is lacking.

In contrast to chemical MAA-protection present in many species, some marine organisms are known to possess DNA photolyase repair systems. These repair systems are able to reverse DNA damage caused by the exposure to UVR. Whether these two UVR protective measures are independent or dependent of another is unknown.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association and acquisition of MAAs and photolyase DNA repair mechanisms in coral reef fish that are exposed to UVR.