2013 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Xenophyophores as bioindicators for polluant concentrations and species diversity assessment
Project/Area Number |
25871015
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Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
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Research Institution | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University |
Principal Investigator |
LECROQ Beatrice 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 生物多様性・複雑性研究ユニット, 研究員 (10649495)
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Project Period (FY) |
2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
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Keywords | Xenophyophore / Molecular phylogeny / Microscopy / Radionuclides |
Research Abstract |
The project has been focusing on: 1) Partial SSU rDNA from 3 specimens of xenophyophores from Ogasawara Trench has been amplified by PCR and sequenced. This is the first time that any sequence from stannomid xenophyophores is obtained. Preliminary phylogenetic analysis suggests that xenophyophores are truly a monophyletic group. 2) High level of Radon 222 and Lead 110 have been measured in the 3 specimens of xenophyophores, while Cesium 137 was under detection level except for 1 specimen. 3) SEM microscopy of the 3 specimens of xenophyophores from Ogasawara Trench has been performed. 4) Samples were collected during RV T.G. Thompson TN309 (April 10 – May 20, 2014) to the Kermadec Trench, Pacific Ocean. Surface undisturbed sediments were sampled using HROV Nereus manipulating push cores, and coupled with a 4K live camera system. After deployment and recovering on deck, cores were immediately placed in a cold (4° C) environment to prevent deterioration of DNA and RNA material. Xenophyophore specimens were collected with fine tools. Two specimens have been collected from the Nereus dive #73 at 7137 m depth. Distal fragments of each specimen were collected for DNA analysis and some were frozen for eventual further analyses. The rest of each specimen was incubated in a solution of CellTrackerGreen (LifeTechnologies) in order to later illuminate any living associated organisms. After incubation, specimens were fixed into gluteraldehyde solution to preserve its morphology and later perform microscopic analyses.
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Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
Plan has been slightly changed according to opportunity of sampling (HADESK cruise TN309 to Kermadec Trench) occurring earlier than expected. We did not perform the deep-sea exploration movies review or the setting of the chemical analysis methods but instead we started analyzing samples from Ogasawara Trench (assessment of radionuclides, molecular phylogeny and SEM microscopy) and prepared HADESK cruise including a new experiment to illuminate organisms associated with xenophyophores (incubation in CellTrackerGreen).
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Strategy for Future Research Activity |
1) Retrieve xenophyophore DNA sequence from Kermadec Trench xenophyophores for molecular phylogeny 2) Perform microscopy analyses for morphological description 3) Investigate associated organisms 4) A second series of measurements will be taken during summer 2014 to enhance the accuracy of the gamma emission scores.
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Research Products
(3 results)