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Fluorescent worms and sex changing fish

12 April 2007

Bio- fluorescent roundworm and sex changing fish may sound like exhibits in a freak show but they both play a vital role in a major research programme - 'Environmental Genomics: Genes in the Environment'.

The study of Genomes (the complete genetic material of organisms) has revolutionised biological investigation and now scientists at the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) have used genomics to gather new information in the field of environmental science. 

One group of researchers used genetic manipulation to produce a strain of roundworm that can detect pollutants in soil.  The worms were altered to bio-fluoresce (light up) when exposed to pollutants and can be used, in controlled field tests, to assess the extent to which soils contain metals.  This method of detection allows scientists to perform rapid screening for pollutants whilst out in the field and is extremely useful in Environmental monitoring and the rehabilitation of brownfield sites (areas of land previously used by polluting industries).

Researchers also used genomics to look at how thousands of genes respond to pollutants in fish. It has been discovered that chemical pollutants in domestic sewage can cause male fish to develop female sex cells (eggs) in their testes and exposure to ethinyloestradiol (a chemical found in oral contraceptive pills) can induce a complete gender change in roach (a common fish in UK Rivers) - completely transforming their testes into ovaries.

By studying the genomes of roach and of zebrafish, another species used in laboratory testing, scientists have been able to identify not only the genes disrupted after exposure to these substances but also a group of genes key to the process of sexual differentiation.  These findings are proving useful in tracking down other chemicals that have the potential to affect sexual development.

Charles Tyler, one of the programmes researchers, from the University of Exeter, said: "Genomics is a very powerful tool in the understanding of organisms and how they function.  Studying groups of genes that contribute to a particular process allows us to make a far more powerful analysis on how stressors like pollutants affect organisms than if we were to look at single genes. Studying the genomes of fish provides a highly integrated system for monitoring the quality of the aquatic environment. Results like this demonstrate how genomic technologies can be applied to tackle environmental issues."

This research is just some of the exciting science being showcased at the Environmental Genomics End of Programme Event in London on Monday, 16 April 2007.

Further information

Charles Tyler
University of Exeter
Tel: 01392 264450

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. "Genes in The Environment" Church House, Westminster, 10:00-16:00 on Monday 16 April 2007. This event is aimed at a general audience and journalists are welcome to attend. For a full programme of the day see our Environmental Genomics web pages.

2. The event marks the end of NERC's Environmental Genomics research programme. NERC has invested £16·5m over five years to integrate genomic techniques across a wide range of environmental biology topics that are of strategic importance to NERC and its stakeholders.

3. The Natural Environment Research Council is one of the UK's research councils. It uses a budget of about £370m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. It is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind, such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.

Press release: 14/07

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