Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Phylogenetic Relationship of Gyrodactylus Species from Polar regions  (GYROGEN)

Outline
The viviparous monogenean fish parasite genus Gyrodactylus is one of the most specious genera among Metazoan animals. A recent number of nominal species was over 400, but the estimated global number of taxa might be more than twenty thousand. Most of the Gyrodactylus research leading to generalisations is conducted in Eurasian freshwater and coastal environments. The polar regions are almost unexplored. The observation of high species richness has led to suggestion that an analysis of this genus might contribute to the general understanding of the processes and modes of speciation. The models of co-evolution and co-speciation parallel with the host, versus speciation by host switching are the major alternatives suggested. Monogenean parasites in general are believed to be ideal candidates for speciation by host switching. Gyrodactylus species as quite strict host specialists are the least probable switchers, but once the switch succeeds, they have a high probability to speciate. This is due to the specific life cycle and colonisation ability. A single female can propagate a swarm of asexual and parthenogenetic progeny on a single host individual. The colonization power is best demonstrated in the catastrophal spread of Gyrodactylus salaris from the Baltic Sea among naive Norwegian Atlantic salmon, which cased serious loses in salmon industry. The morphological species identification is based on haptoral hard parts, which are normally not longer than several micrometers. It may cause the identification very difficult and finally also ambiguous therefore molecular methods should be included. It is well known that the sequences of nuclear rDNA gene cluster encompassing both spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and 5.8S rRNA gene differ largely among Gyrodactylus species. Based on these sequences, it was possible to distinguish more than 70 species, among which some are almost identical morphologically. Additionally, the ITS rDNA region was successfully used to construct phylogenetic relationship but unfortunately mostly of European continental Gyrodactylus species. It would be very interesting to expand the knowledge to both polar regions. To achieve the goal, it is necessary to collect Gyrodactylus specimens infesting fishes from polar regions. It would be then followed by ITS rDNA region amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic data set analysis. From the knowledge of different climatic changes in Arctic and Antarctic regions we may expect different modes of speciation. A molecular key for unambiguous Gyrodactylus species identification from polar region would be an additional advantage of the project.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
We plan to use new molecular techniques, which can improve the studies of gyrodactylids. Proposed methods will allow to identify and to determine the phylogenetic relationship of Gyrodactylus species from polar regions. A molecular key for unambiguous Gyrodactylus species identification from polar region would be an additional advantage of the project.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Samples will be collected from both Polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/05– 09/05      04/06 –09/06      04/07 – 09/07
Antarctic: 01/06 – 03/06      12/06 – 03/07      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, Svalbard, Norvegy Ships: Oceania, Institut of Oceanology PAN, Sopot Horyzont II, Polish Marine Academy, Gdynia Eltanin – Nawiga Sp.z.o.o, Gdynia.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Another national polar operator
National agency
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
1. Accepted by Polish National Commettee for 4-IPY 2007-2008 2. University of Gdansk

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New
New project which will be based on studies realized in the frame of the Gdansk University projects.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Samples will be collected on both Polar regions using accessible logistic support (Polish Polar stations and ships). Samples will be stored in 70% ethanol and analysed in the laboratories at the University of Gdansk and national co-operators laboratories.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
It is envisaged that the results obtained will be sufficient to complete one Ph.D and several scientific publications. Results will be presented also during scientific parasitological meetings in Poland and abroad.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
The obtained data will be published in an international journal and accessible for scientists.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are applying for support to national funding agencies.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Pro Edward Skorkowski
Biological Station Gdansk University-Laboratory of Comparative Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology
80-680 Gdansk-
Sobieszewo ul. Ornitologów 26
80-680
Poland

Tel: (+48) 308 07 14
Mobile:
Fax: (+48) 308 07 03
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information