Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #220: A unique mechanism of freezing-tolerance in larvae of arctic and cold temperate insects  (Freezing-tolerance in arctic insects)

Outline
We have evidence suggesting a highly unusual mechanism by which larvae of the Arctic woolly-bear caterpillar, Gynaephora groenlandica and the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis, which also lives in cold climates and/or high latitudes, survive extreme winter conditions (Levin et al., 2003; Insect Mol Biol 12(3), 281-286). Loss of mitochondria was observed in tissues of freezing-tolerant G. groenlandica by Kukal et al. (1989; J Comp Physiol B 158(6): 661-71), who detected a 10,000-fold decrease in the number of mitochondria per cell in fat body and brain cells, and suggested that the ability to degrade and rapidly regenerate mitochondria might be a unique mechanism used by freezing-tolerant insects to conserve energy during overwintering. We compared respiration rates, mitochondrial (mt)DNA content, and mitochondrial-specific RNA expression in fat body cells from active and freezing-tolerant larvae of G. groenlandica and E. solidaginis. Our studies revealed reduced amounts of mtDNA in freeze-adapted larvae of both species compared with active larvae collected in summer. Northern blot analyses revealed the presence of COI and 16S RNAs in fat body cells of both active and freezing-tolerant G. groenlandica and E. solidaginis larvae. These results confirmed seasonal degradation of mitochondria in G. groenlandica, provide evidence for a similar process in E. solidaginis, and suggest that mitochondrial proteins required for respiration may be restored rapidly from stable RNAs present in overwintering larvae. Because this discovery is highly relevant to the existence of arthropods in polar climates, we propose to conduct further studies of this unusual adaptation to determine the mechanisms of mtDNA degradation, mRNA stabilization, and rapid recovery of mitochondria with rapid increases in temperature. We will also determine how wide spread this phenomenon is in insects that live in cold temperate climates. The work will include collaborators in both eastern and western Canada, in both University and Government institutions. The project will require funds for at least a graduate student, plus materials and supplies, travel, and publication costs. In addition to my participation, my collaborators in eastern Canada (notably Dr. Hugh Danks of the Biological Survey of Canada) and I will provide in-kind contributions in terms of sample collecting and infrastructure for advanced molecular biological studies.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Investigating this little understood phenomenon is at the “frontiers of science”. Decreasing numbers of mitochondria in response to freezing, and rapid regeneration of mitochondria (and hence of respiration) in response to the return of favorable temperatures, using stable RNA molecules, is a truly unique phenomenon. Further knowledge of this phenomenon will contribute to our understanding of how insects have adapted to freezing conditions in general, and polar regions in particular (“Polar regions as a vantage point”), as well as how climate changes in the polar region will impact survival of these species (“Changes in polar regions”).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This proposal is not conceived as a diffuse project across a wide geographical area, but rather aims to focus on conducting science and publishing key deliverables on a theme of great interest in a broad polar context.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The actual locations in which arctic field material is collected are not critical, and so collections will be made in those sites that are being visited by Biological Survey cooperators, expected to include at least Ellesmere Island, Tuktoyutuk, Rankin Inlet, and Churchill, as well as cold-temperate sites such as Ottawa.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07-07/07      06/08-07/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The only significant logistical support required is for collecting larvae of insects at various polar localities (Ellesmere Island, Tuktoyutuk, Rankin Inlet, Churchill). These activities can be shared with other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Other sources of support

Support will be sought from the Polar Continental Shelf Project as appropriate. Collections will also be made by Biological Survey cooperators engaged in other projects having significant logistic components. For example, the student could apply for PCSP logistic support to go to the arctic in year 2.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

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?


This project is a special extension of the existing long-standing scientific project of the Biological Survey of Canada on insect seasonal adaptations [see http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/english/scientificprojects.htm], which continues through 2007-2008.

How will the project be organised and managed?
There are three major components to the project management: 1. D. B. Levin, the Principal Investigator, an experienced scientist and supervisor with a well-equipped lab at UVic, will oversee the laboratory investigations; 2. H.V. Danks, an experienced ecologist and synthesizer of scientific iinformation on seasonal adaptations in insects, including field collecting and visits to the Victoria laboratory, will be an active participant and mentor; 3. Sample collections, from polar and other sites, by cooperators in the Biological Survey network coordinated by H.V. Danks, as part of the Survey’s approved project on insect seasonal adaptations.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project will involve education of highly qualified personnel (M.Sc. or Ph.D.), publications in the scientific literature. A dedicated Website for posting results and inviting comments and collaborations will be established. The project is a fascinating topic that can be broadly popularized through public lectures when further results are known.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. DNA sequences will be deposited in GenBank or other suitable database. A dedicated Website for posting results and inviting comments and collaborations will be established.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Considerable in-kind and logistic support (especially for laboratory infrastructure and collecting of material) will be obtained through University, government, and other funding to the principal participants, as well as through a variety of other cooperators mainly carrying out different projects supported in different ways.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Associate Professor David Levin
University of Victoria Department of Biology
P.O. Box 3020 SRN CSC
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 3N5
Canada

Tel: 807-343-8162
Mobile: no
Fax: (250) 472-4075
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation