CYP1A expression in freshwater fish of western New York as an indicator
of pollution levels
Abstract
Various species of freshwater fish regulate the expression of certain
proteins in response to environmental contamination. Previous research
has shown that CYP1A expression increases in response to contaminant
levels, and can result in increased tumor formation. Fish in
contaminated environments would thus benefit by downregulating the
expression of CYP1A to reduce tumor prevalence as an adaptive strategy.
Alternatively, regulation of the CYP1A protein in fish can serve as a
bioindicator of the pollution level of an environment. This study
evaluated CYP1A expression in twelve different species of freshwater
fish from seven bodies of water throughout western NY including Cuba
Lake, Genesee River, Hanging Bog, Love Canal, Moss Lake, Rushford Lake
and Tifft Nature Preserve. Western blot analysis was used to measure
CYP1A expression as a marker of site pollution and potential fish
population adaptation. It was hypothesized that low CYP1A expression at
a site with known contamination would suggest signs of adaptation to
pollution levels present. Furthermore, if at least one sample from a
species showed CYP1A expression, then the CYP1A antibody (Caymen
Chemical, USA; 173132) had compatibility with that species, eliminating
falsely suspected adaptation. The results from this study suggest
possible adaptation of fish may be occurring in the polluted Tifft
Nature Preserve and Genesee River. In contrast, CYP1A expression in fish
from Cuba Lake, Hanging Bog, Love Canal, Moss Lake, and Rushford Lake
appear to represent known pollution levels and adaptation is not likely
occurring. Results from this study are preliminary and next steps
include collection and analysis of sediment to provide a stronger
correlation between pollution at sites and CYP1A expression.