Meeting Abstract

P1-248  Saturday, Jan. 4  Changes in Gene Expression in Response to Ambient Temperature Fluctuations in the Zebra Finch COUTTS, VM*; BEATTY, A; SCHWARTZ, T; COOPER, C; HURLEY, L; GRIFFITH, S; WADA, H; Auburn University, Auburn, AL; Auburn University, Auburn, AL; Auburn University, Auburn, AL; Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, AUS; Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, AUS; Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, AUS; Auburn University, Auburn, AL vzc0035@auburn.edu

Thermal physiology contributes to limits on heat tolerance and species’ geographical distribution. Small birds living in the desert is particularly at risk of heat stress because of waves of extreme temperature, diurnality, and limited access to food and water. Using zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) as a model system, we tested whether temperatures at the upper limit of the thermoneutral zone would elicit anti-damage regulators, such as heat shock proteins and a DNA repair mechanism, to minimize cellular damage caused by heat. To test this, birds were placed in two treatments: 1) 30°C for 8 hours and 18°C for the rest of the day, and 2) 40°C for 8 hours and 28°C for the rest of the day. These treatments occurred for 2 weeks, then all birds went through a period of the cooler temperatures (18°C or 28°C) for 2 weeks. After that, they were exposed to the higher temperatures (30°C or 40°C) for 8 hours. Whole blood was collected from these individuals after the last heat exposure. Currently, we are quantifying differential gene expression of heat shock protein 60 (HSP), HSP90, and APTX (mitochondrial DNA repair gene) with the prediction that these genes will be elevated in the zebra finches exposed to 40°C.