Xenophyophores as bioindicators for polluant concentrations and species diversity assessment

2014 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 25871015
• 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, マリンゲノミックスユニット, 研究員 (10649495)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: Xenophyphore / Molecular phylogeny / Microscopy

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Xenophyophores are giant, unicellular protists that flourish on the deep-sea floor in all the world’s oceans.　Their large and complex tests accumulate toxic metals from the water column, but also attract a wide variety of organisms, including isopods, polychaetes, mollusks, and echinoderms. This research will establish the relevance of xenophyophores as bioindicators of deep-sea ecosystem health and whether they can be used to assess environmental pollutant concentrations and local/regional species diversity. The research plan for FY2014 was to retrieve xenophyophore DNA sequence from Kermadec Tranch xenophyphores for molecular phylogeny; however, the plan was delayed due to changes in the PI’s work environment.

Current Status of Research Progress

4: Progress in research has been delayed.

Reason

FY2014 was to retrieve xenophyophore DNA sequence from Kermadec Tranch xenophyphores for molecular phylogeny and to perform microscopy analyses for morphological description; however, the plan was delayed due to changes in the PI’s work environment.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

1) Retrieve xenophyophore DNA sequence from Kermadec Trench xenophyphores for molecular phylogeny
2) Perform microscopy analyses for morphological description
3) Investigate associated organisms
4) A second series of measurements will be taken during summre 2014 to enhance the accuracy of the gamma emission score

Causes of Carryover

Due to the changes in PI's personal surrounding the research activity has been suspended.

Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget

27年度はサンプリングとDNA解析を実施予定のため、研究費は主にDNA解析に必要となる試薬の購入にあてる予定である。