Research

Identification of Endocrine Networks. We are interested to identify regulation of key biomolecules such as steroidogenic enzymes, steroid receptors, steroids, and steroid dependent pathways that comprise interconnected endocrine networks in the brain and peripheral organ systems that lead to the rapid initiation and long-term maintenance of behavioral and morphological traits. These endogenous biomolecules are important for the maintainance of homeostasis and allow organisms to cope with stressors in their environment. We employ cutting edge techniques such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry methodology.

Gene Regulatory Networks during sex change. We are interested to identify spatiotemporal expression of genes that are turned on during development and the regulation of expression of these genes by the endocrine system. The bluebanded goby is a fish species that hatches with a bipotential gonad, with sex being determined by the social environment. By studying a species that is capable of displaying adult sexual plasticity, we have the opportunity to study processes such as organogenesis because it can undergo a dramatic reorganization of the entire reproductive axis including gonads, external genitalia, as well as neural networks that regulate the expression of reproductive behavior. These genes will be identified using immunohistochemistry techniques using customized RNA probes.

Regulation of Elaborate Signaling Displays. Organisms use complex behavioral displays which include spectacular display of heightened states of behavior such as aggression and courtship to communicate with conspecifics. Sexually selected exaggerated morphological traits such as size, shape, or color of body parts are involved in such displays and amplified through physiological activation of the neuromuscular system. The expression of sexually dimorphic behavior in vertebrates is often mediated by steroid hormone signaling to activate both central and peripheral neural circuits that innervate muscle targets. We are investigating the regulation of these displays in bluebanded gobies that display a repetoire of social behaviors. We use a combination of traditional endocrinological approaches and observations using biomechanics to understand fin kinematics during parenting and aggression.

Sex Differences in Seasonal Regulation of Physiology and Morphology. Through a seed funding from“Genes by Environment” (GEM3), National Science Foundation’s Idaho EPSCoR program, we have been able to study the stress physiology of Idaho's native redband trout. Salmonids adapt to changing environments by altering the hormonal pathways that regulate expression of phenotypes such as growth and development of reproductive function. Natural seasonal variations in water temperatures occur throughout the year and cause periods of varying thermal stress. This raises the question of whether redband trout occupying warmer rivers have higher thermal tolerance and respond to chronic stress differently than those that persist in cooler rivers. We are investigating the role of these environmental stressors in the physiological chronic stress response, growth, immune function, and reproductive behavior and success.