Exploring the zebra mussel genome why it s important, and how we re doing it

Transcription

1 Exploring the zebra mussel genome why it s important, and how we re doing it Michael A. McCartney, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, MAISRC mmccartn@umn.edu September 16, 2015 MAISRC Showcase University of Minnesota

2 MAISRC s first application of data from the zebra mussel genome project To study the spread of zebra mussels to inland waters in Minnesota

3 Spread to inland lakes occurs in three phases Data sources: USGS, NAS database (2014), MnDNR Analysis: McCartney

4 In MN, the lag phase lasted ~ 10 years longer

5 Research on zebra mussel invasion pathways in MN Rates of spread suggest that invasion routes in Minnesota differ from those in Great Lakes states Identifying these routes is crucial for targeting prevention

6 2015 Invasions

7 Pathways connect invasions from source to destination waterbodies Candidate sources: Mississippi River, Lake Michigan, Mille Lacs Lake, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Superior Destination lakes: e.g. Zumbro, Prior, Minnetonka, Alexandria area lakes, Maple (Douglas), Pelican (Otter Tail), Mille Lacs, Gull, Pelican (Crow Wing), Ossawinamakee, Sand (Itasca), Pike, Christmas

8 Invasion pathways: genetics and genomics Using Microsatellite DNAs Used e.g. in fisheries stock analysis Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Used e.g. in crop plant genetics (mapping) Isolation and screening SNPs requires genome sequencing In collaboration with UM Genomics Center

9 Data analysis: genetic clustering Duluth Harbor From Brown and Stepien (2011) Lake Pepin North American source populations are genetically distinguishable (including 2 candidate sources in MN)

10 Testing invasion pathway scenarios Time Upper Miss L Ossie/Pine R Mille Lacs Scenario I: Stepping-stones, inland Prevention: continue to target boat traffic between inland lakes Dr. Sophie Mallez Minne tonka Scenario II: Chronic reintroductions Time L Ossie/Pine R Mille Lacs Minne tonka Prevention: increase surveillance of chronic sources (e.g, Mississippi boat ramps, or sources out of state)

11 Why do we need genomics to map spread in Minnesota? Geographic (and time) scale is small, so we need lots of markers 40, ,00 SNPs assign 83% of human subjects, worldwide, to their country of origin (Elhaik et al and the Genographic Project). 40,000 SNPs assign 200 people from Sardinia to within 50 km of their village of origin!

12 What might we learn? Relative importance of super spreader inland lakes Invasion routes (e.g. from the Mississippi) that might require increased attention Whether clustered invasions (e.g. Detroit Lakes area) result from stepping-stone spread Whether lake infestations arise from single or multiple introductions From Muirhead and MacIsaac (2005)

13 Where is this going? A map, and a history to better understand the present and to predict future spread of zebra mussels in MN Watercraft Inspection data used to model boater movement patterns Genomics + boater movement models to target prevention & monitor new invasions more precisely From Muirhead and MacIsaac (2005)

14 Genomics: resources for future research on invasive mussels Requires a research team and future funding to fully analyze the zebra mussel genome Future applications Understanding the genes/adaptations controlling invasion success (in MN and across North America) Using genomics to probe recurrent die offs of zebra mussel populations thermal stress or other causes? Finding genes associated with susceptibility to diseases and pesticides

15 Thanks UMN Grace Van Susteren, Sarah Peterson (field and lab assistants), Dr. Sophie Mallez (postdoc) UMGC Kenny Beckman and Aaron Becker for collaboration and advice on kick-starting the zebra mussel genomics project MnDNR Keegan Lund, Mark Ranweiler, Dan Swanson, Rich Rezanka for field support throughout MN, Kelly Pennington for updated lists of infested waters, Lyn Bergquist for the spread map, Gary Montz for advice and help Clean Water Fund, ENRTF, Gull Chain of Lakes Association, Pelican Lakes Association for funding