Meeting Abstract

P2.39  Thursday, Jan. 5  Relationship between cnr1 gene variation and behavioral differences among Kryptolebias marmoratus laboratory isogenic lines GOPINATH, A.*; ELDER, J.F.; RING, B.C; BECHLER, D.L.; Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia; Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia; Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia; Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia agopinath@valdosta.edu

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of molecules that include endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), cannabinoid receptors and the enzymes that regulate the concentration of endocannabionoids. In human beings and other vertebrate models the Endocannabinoid system is implicated in the regulation of several bodily functions from appetite regulation to processing rewards. The cnr1 gene encodes the CB1 receptor (Cannabinoid receptor 1) which is an integral part of this system. Polymorphism in the cnr1 gene (Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene) in humans is associated with substance addiction, depression, anorexia and several other disorders. Kryptolebias marmoratus (kmar) are self fertilizing hermaphrodites that produce clonal progeny. This study aims to sequence the cnr1 gene in four isogenic lines of kmar and correlate polymorphism to behavioral differences. Since the dynamics of the ECS is yet to be fully characterized in any organism, a significant result could help provide the spark to encourage study of the ECS in this simple vertebrate.