Meeting Abstract
White-nose syndrome is a devastating disease affecting many North American bat species. It is caused by Pseudogymnoasces destructans, a fungal pathogen that colonizes the muzzles and wings of hibernating bats. Our study focuses on the differential expression of immune and metabolic genes in infected and uninfected Myotis lucificus and Eptesicus fuscus. In order to determine the strength and type of immune response triggered by the fungus, we have developed a quantitative PCR panel for cross-species bat cytokine genes. By comparing the relative expression of certain cytokine genes in the wing tissue, we can determine which subsets of T cells are mediating the immune response to the fungal pathogen. qPCR analysis of a subset of metabolic genes will give us additional insight into how this disease negatively impacts the ability of certain bats to survive hibernation. We are also analyzing the transcriptomes of infected and uninfected little brown bats in order to get a more comprehensive view of the genes involved in the response to WNS. Our research will shed light on the mechanisms by which some bat species have a higher survival rate, and this knowledge can be used to further develop strategies for protecting North America’s bat population.
