Source: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY submitted to NRP
CALIFORNIA IN AN ERA OF GLOBAL CHANGE: BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND THREATS FROM EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0230135
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2012
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
(N/A)
BERKELEY,CA 94720
Performing Department
Insect Biology
Non Technical Summary
Understanding how to promote resilient, biological diverse, healthy ecosystems is a key aspect of the USDAs mission. My research focuses on studying the factors that promote and threaten biological diversity, an endeavor that is directly linked to the long-term success of agricultural activities in our country. I am working on two related issues. First, I am studying emerging fungal diseases. Fungal diseases generally receive less attention than bacterial and viral pathogens, but new fungal diseases are responsible for catastrophic effects on many agricultural crops and economically, ecologically, and agriculturally important wildlife species. I study the specific mechanisms of how fungal pathogens attack their hosts. This research has relevance for understanding and treating these novel fungal diseases. Second, I am studying wildlife declines in species that provide key agricultural ecosystem services. Many populations and species of animals around the world are threatened with extinction. I study the declines of wildlife species that serve as key identifiers of ecosystem health and that provide services to the agricultural sector by controlling insect pests. This research has relevance for conserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy agricultural ecosystems. My research integrates multiple approaches and also prioritizes public outreach to advance both scientific knowledge and public welfare by increasing public understanding of the importance of our natural resources.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1350830106010%
1354020106010%
1360830106030%
2124020106010%
3114020106030%
3150830106010%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife; 311 - Animal Diseases; 136 - Conservation of Biological Diversity; 315 - Animal Welfare/Well-Being and Protection;

Subject Of Investigation
0830 - Wild animals; 4020 - Fungi;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
My work focuses on understanding the threats to biodiversity in California, an endeavor directly linked to the long-term success of agricultural activities in our state. Specifically: 1) To understand the threats of emerging infectious diseases on economically, ecologically, and agriculturally important species in California. Specifically, to use comparative studies of emerging fungal pathogens to understand mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. An emerging threat to agricultural systems is novel fungal diseases. The incidence and severity of fungal infections is on the rise, and fungal diseases are having catastrophic effects on agriculturally important crops and wildlife species. My research on mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis will be important for mitigating the effects of disease. For example, my research will provide insight into fungal pathogens that are devastating wildlife species (like bats and frogs) that provide billions of dollars in ecosystem services (in the form of pest control) to the agricultural sector. My research also will provide information on fungal pathogenesis that is critical for protecting crops. Outputs will include: scientific publications; publically available data; training and mentoring of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scientists; and articles in the popular press. 2) To understand the multifaceted threats to cultivated and wildlife species in California. Specifically, to understand how emerging infectious disease impact agriculturally important wildlife species. Maintaining biodiversity is critical in agricultural settings. Much of my research focuses on amphibians because they are key species at an important trophic level. They consume large volumes of insects and are food resources to predators. In addition amphibians are indicator species for ecosystem health. Amphibians are sensitive to environmental perturbation and can serve as an "early warning system" for downstream ecosystem effects. In agricultural settings amphibians provide a window into what practices will promote healthy ecosystems. My research on understanding and mitigating amphibian declines in California is important for the health of our ecosystems. In addition to my work on amphibians, I also am working species such as bats that provide invaluable ecosystem services to the agricultural sector. Outputs will include: scientific publications; publically available data; training and mentoring of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scientists; and articles in the popular press. 3) To integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools. Specifically, to use genomic methods to answer questions that have been intractible with more traditional methodologies. Outputs will include: scientific publications; publically available data; training and mentoring of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scientists. 4) To increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health. Specifically, to run public outreach events for students at all levels. Outputs will include: conferences, outreach events, workshops, field days for the public and K-12 students, and articles in the popular press.
Project Methods
1) To understand the threats of emerging infectious diseases on economically, ecologically, and agriculturally important species in California. Specifically, to use comparative studies of emerging fungal pathogens as case studies to understand mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. I will primarily study an emerging fungal pathogen of amphibians, the chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, but will also study of emerging pathogens that impact agriculturally important species. I will use field monitoring, laboratory experiments and genomic studies to determine disease prevalence in different California ecosystems and to understand the genetic basis of pathogenesis. The sucess of the project will be evaluated through the number and impact of resulting publications, the number of students trained, and the contribution to research dissemination in workshops and symposia. 2) To understand the multifaceted threats to agriculturally imporatnt wildlife species in California. Specifically, to understand how emerging infectious disease, climate change, and invasive species interact to impact wildlife. I will primarily study amphibians of California that are experiencing massive declines but will also study other species (e.g., bats) that are also key players in ecosystem health and agricultural ecosystem services. I will use field monitoring, laboratory experiments, and genomic techniques to understand different stressors on wildlife populations and to determine the genetic basis of host susceptibility and resistance when confronted with emerging pathogens. The sucess of the project will be evaluated through the number and impact of resulting publications, the number of students trained, and the contribution to research dissemination in workshops and symposia. 3) To integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools. Specifically, to use genomic methods to answer questions that have been intractible with more traditional methodologies. I will continue to help advance the field of ecological genomics by developing and using genomic resources in non-model species. These methods include whole genome sequencing, reduced representation sequencing, RNA sequencing, and gene expression analyses with microarrays. The success of the project will be evaluated through the number and impact of resulting publications, the number of students trained, and the contribution to research dissemination. 4) To increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Specifically, to run public outreach events to education students at all levels. I conduct a number of outreach activities including a Science Symposium at one of my field sites, a "Lizard Camp" for K-12 students, a "Save the Frogs Day" program for K-12 students, and contributions to museum exhibits to increase public understanding of science. I also work regularly with publishers and the media to highlight my labs research in textbooks and in the popular press. The sucess of the project will be evaluated through the number of participants in public outreach events and the dissemination of project research through the popular press and textbooks.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:My project contributes knowledge to the scientific community particularly in the fields of ecology, evolution, conservation, genomics, and global change biology.In addition, my work synthesizes and communicates information to natural resource managers and policy decision-makers.Finally, my efforts provide outreach for K-12 school children and the public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Although no personnel were funded directly from this funding source, PhD students Allison Byrne, and Andrew Rothstein and postdocs Obed Hernandez-Gomez and Thomas Jenkinsonwere 2017personnel in the Rosenblum lab that contributed significantly to the research activities. The research activities provided training opportunities for these personnel in field ecology, bioinformatics, and laboratory genomics techniques. The research activities have also been conducted in collaboration with Roland Knapp of the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Cherie Briggs from UC Santa Barbara. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to research activies and publications in peer reviewed journals, I had a number of opportunities for dissemination in 2017including research seminars and outreach events. I ran a largeoutreach event for elementary school students entitled "Save the Frogs Day" where multiple classes of kindergarden students visit my lab for a morning of hands-on science and art activities to learn about amphibian biodiversity and conservation. For the project period as a whole, we have contributed significantly to research dissemination, through more than a dozen publications, outreach to hundreds of elementary school students, and close partnerships with conservation managers throughout California. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My 2017activities included significant research advances in understanding the impact of the fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) on imperiled amphibians. Under major goal 1), we published a new study on Bd pathogenesis in the journalOecologia.Under major goal 2), we published an important population genomics study of one of the mostendangered amphibians in California in the journalConservation Geneticsand helped translate these findings to management actions for the National Park Service.Under major goal 3), we developed a new genomics resource for research in this system and published the method inMolecular Ecology Resources.Under major goal 4), we continue increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health via outreach activities described below. For the project period as a whole, we have contributed significantly for all major objectives with more than a dozen publications, new resources for the research community, and direct translation into conservation and management of California endangered species.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Byrne, A.Q., A. Rothstein, T.J. Poorten, Jesse Erens, M.L. Settles, E. B. Rosenblum. 2017. Unlocking the story in the swab: a new genotyping assay for the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Molecular Ecology Resources. doi:10.1111/1755-0998.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Voyles, J, L.R. Johnson, R. Kelly, C. Barron, D. Miller, J. Minster, J. Rohr, E.B. Rosenblum. 2017. Diversity in growth patterns among strains of the lethal fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis across extended thermal optima. Oecologia 184(2): 363-373.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Poorten, T.J., R.A. Knapp, E.B. Rosenblum. 2017. Population genetic structure of the endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) in Yosemite National Park based on multi-locus nuclear markers. Conservation Genetics. doi:10.1007/ /s10592-016-0923-5.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:This project aims to increase knowledge across different sectors of our society. Results reach undergraduate students through the PI's teaching an upper division undergraduate "Global Change Biology" course at UC Berkeley. Results reach the scientific community through research publications. Results reach policymakers through my engagement with California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Results reach the public through popular press articles written about our research. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Although no personnel were funded directly from this funding source, PhD students Allison Byrne, and Andrew Rothstein were 2016 personnel in the Rosenblum lab that contributed significantly to the research activities. The research activities provided training opportunities for these personnel in field ecology, bioinformatics, and laboratory genomics techniques. The research activities have also been conducted in collaboration with Roland Knapp of the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Cherie Briggs from UC Santa Barbara. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to research activies and publications in peer reviewed journals, I had a number of opportunities for dissemination in 2016 including research seminars and outreach events. I was also featured in a "Science for Parks" video that was made in partnership with the National Park Service. I also ran an outreach event for elementary school students entitled "Save the Frogs Day" where multiple classes of kindergarden students visit my lab for a morning of hands-on science and art activities to learn about amphibian biodiversity and conservation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to focus on conservation relevant genomic projects in ecological important species in California serving goals 2, 3, and 4 above.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My 2016 activities included significant research advances in understanding the impact of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) on imperiled amphibians. Under major goal 1), most of the research was completed last year. Under major goal 2), we analyzed population, immunological, and genomics data for some of the most endangered amphibians in California. These results were published in: The Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, Molecular Ecology, and The Journal of Wildlife Diseases. We also continued our worke with Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park to develop resources to assist with amphibian conservation management in California. Finally, we worked to integrate lessons learned from studying amphibian chytridiomycosis to other disease systems and published these results in the journal Biological Conservation and Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. Under major goal 3), we have continued to integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools, which provides new resources for other researchers in our field. Under major goal 4), we continue increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health via outreach activities.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Knapp, R.A., G.M. Fellers, P.M. Kleeman, D.A.W. Miller, V.T. Vredenburg, E.B. Rosenblum, C.J. Briggs. 2016. Large-scale recovery of an endangered amphibian despite ongoing exposure to multiple stressors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 113 (42): 1188911894.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Poorten, T.J., E.B. Rosenblum. 2016. Comparative study of host response to chytridiomycosis in a susceptible and a resistant toad species. Molecular Ecology doi:10.1111/mec.13871.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Poorten, T., M. Stice-Kishiyama, C. J. Briggs, E.B. Rosenblum. 2016. Mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) did not produce detectable antibodies in immunization experiments with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 52(1):154-158.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Byrne, A.Q., J. Voyles, G. Rio-Sotelo, E.B. Rosenblum. 2016. Insights from genomics into spatial and temporal variation in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science 142: 269-290.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:This project aims to increase knowledge across different sectors of our society. Results reach undergraduate students through the PI's teaching an upper division undergraduate "Global Change Biology" course at UC Berkeley. Results reach the scientific community through research publications. Results reach policymakers through my engagement with California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Results reach the public through popular press articles written about our research. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Although no personnel were funded directly from this funding source, PhD students Thomas Poorten and Allison Byrne were 2015 personnel in the Rosenblum lab that contributed significantly to the research activities. The research activities provided training opportunities for these personnel in field ecology, bioinformatics, and laboratory genomics techniques. The research activities have also been conducted in collaboration with Roland Knapp of the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Cherie Briggs from UC Santa Barbara. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to research activies and publications in peer reviewed journals, I had a number of opportunities for dissemination in 2015 including research seminars and outreach events. I was also featured in a "Science for Parks" video that was made in partnership with the National Park Service.I also ran an outreach event for elementary school students entitled "Save the Frogs Day" where multiple classes of kindergarden students visit my lab for a morning of hands-on science and art activities to learn about amphibian biodiversity and conservation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My 2015 activities included significant research advances in understanding the impact of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) on imperiled amphibians. Under major goal 1), we sequenced full genomes and conducted laboratory experiments with Bd isolates, including a number of deadly samples from California that are responsible for amphibian declines in sensitive California ecosystems. This research was published in the journal "Genes, Genomes, Genetics". Under major goal 2), we analyzed our data from gene expression studies for several amphibian species include some of the most invasive and the most endangered species in California. These results have been submitted for publication and will have a conservation impact as we work to protect some of California's most endangered frog species. We also worked with Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park to develop resources to assist with amphibian conservation management in California. Finally, we worked to integrate lessons learned from studying amphibian chytridiomycosis to other disease systems and published these results in the journal "Biological Conservation" and "Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment". Under major goal 3), we have continued to integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools, which provides new resources for other researchers in our field. Under major goal 4), we continue increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health via outreach activities described below.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Meek, M., C. Wells, K. Tomalty, J. Ashander, E. Cole, D. Gille, B. Putman, J. Rose, M. Savoca, L. Yamane, J. Hull, D. Rogers, E.B. Rosenblum, J.F. Shogren, R. Swaisgood, B. May. 2015. Overcoming the fear of failure to improve the conservation of extremely small populations. Biological Conservation 184: 209-217.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Langwig, K.E., J. Voyles, M.Q. Wilber, W.F. Frick, K. Murray, D.S. Blehert, B.M. Bolker, J.P. Collins, T.L. Cheng, M.C Fisher, J.R. Hoyt, D.L. Lindner, H.I. McCallum, R. Puschendorf, E.B. Rosenblum, M. Toothman, C.K.R. Willis, C.J. Briggs, A.M. Kilpatrick. 2015. Context dependent conservation responses to emerging wildlife diseases. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 13(4):195-202.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Refsnider, J.M., T.J. Poorten, P.F. Langhammer, P.A. Burrowes, E.B. Rosenblum. 2015. Genomic correlates of virulence attenuation in the deadly amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics. 115.021808.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: This project aims to increase knowledge across different sectors of our society. Results reach undergraduate students through the PI's teaching an upper division undergraduate "Global Change Biology" course at UC Berkeley. Results reach the scientific community through research publications. Results reach policymakers through my participation at National Academy Institute of Medicine events. Results reach the public through popular press articles written about our research. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Although no personnel were funded directly from this funding source, PhD student Thomas Poorten and postdoc Jeanine Refsnider were 2014 personnel in the Rosenblum lab that contributed significantly to the research activities. The research activities provided training opportunities for these personnel in field ecology, bioinformatics, and laboratory genomics techniques. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? In addition to research activies and publications in peer reviewed journals, I had a number of opportunities for dissemination in 2014. I was an invited departmental speaker at UT Austin, Cornell University, the Evolution Meetings, the American Society of Naturalists Meeting. My research was also featured in several new textbooks including Integrative Animal Biology (Fenton, Dumont, Owen, Campbell. Nelson Education), Learning and Behavior (Cengage Learning), and Sensory Ecology (Oxford University Press).I also ran an outreach event for elementary school students entitled "Save the Frogs Day" where multiple classes of kindergarden students visit my lab for a morning of hands-on science and art activities to learn about amphibian biodiversity and conservation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? No changes to the initial proposal. My research will continue to contribute to the four outlined goals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? My 2014 activities included significant research advances in understanding the impact of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) on imperiled amphibians. Under major goal 1), we sequenced full genomes and conducted laboratory experiments with Bd isolates, including a number of deadly samples from California that are responsible for amphibian declines in sensitive California ecosystems. This research was published in the journals "Ecology and Evolution" and "The ISME Journal". Under major goal 2), we analyzed our data from gene expression studies for several amphibian species include some of the most invasive and the most endangered species in California. These results are in preparation for publication and will have a conservation impact as we work to protect some of California's most endangered frog species. We also worked to integrate lessons learned from studying amphibian chytridiomycosis to other disease systems and published these results in the journal "EcoHealth". Under major goal 3), we have continued to integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools, which provides new resources for other researchers in our field. Under major goal 4), we continue increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health via outreach activities described below.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piovia-Scott, J., K. Pope, S.J. Worth, E.B. Rosenblum, T. Poorten, J. Refsnider, L.A. Rollins-Smith, L.K. Reinert, H.L. Wells, D. Rejmanek, S. Lawler, J. Foley. 2014. Phenotypic and genomic correlates of virulence in the frog-killing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: Evidence from a California amphibian die-off. The ISME Journal 2014: 1-9.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Voyles, J., L. Johnson, C. Briggs, S. Cashins, R. Alford, L. Berger, L. Skerratt, R. Speare, E.B. Rosenblum. 2014. Experimental evolution alters the rate and temporal pattern of population growth in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal fungal pathogen of amphibians. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1199.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Voyles, J., A.M. Kilpatrick, J.P. Collins, M.C. Fisher, W.F. Frick, H. McCallum, C.K.R. Willis, D.S. Blehert, K.A. Murray, R. Puschendorf, E.B. Rosenblum, B.M. Bolker, T.L. Cheng, K.E. Langwig, D.L. Lindner, M. Toothman, M.Q. Wilber, C.J. Briggs. 2014. Moving Beyond Too Little, Too Late: Managing Emerging Infectious Diseases in Wild Populations Requires International Policy and Partnerships. EcoHealth. Doi: 10.1007/s10393-014-0980-5.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: This project aims to increase knowledge across different sectors of our society. Results reach undergraduate students through the PI's teaching an upper division undergraduate "Global Change Biology" course at UC Berkeley. Results reach the scientific community through research publications. Results reach policymakers through my participation at National Academy Institute of Medicine events. Results reach the public through popular press articles written about our research. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Although no personnel were funded directly from this funding source, Dr. Jamie Voyles (postdoc), PhD candidate Thomas Poorten (graduate student), and undergraduate Rochelle Kelly were 2013 personnel in the Rosenblum lab that contributed significantly to the research activities. The research activities provided training opportunities for these personnel in field ecology, bioinformatics, and laboratory genomics techniques. The research activities have also been conducted in collaboration with Roland Knapp of the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Cherie Briggs from UC Santa Barbara. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? In addition to research activies and publications in peer reviewed journals, I had a number of significant opportunities for dissemination in 2013. I was an invited departmental speaker at UC Davis on the topic of "Speciation and Extinction in changing environments". I was an invited participant and speaker at a National Center for Ecological Applications and Synthesis (NCEAS) workshop on wildlife disease. Our group presented two talks at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology conference "Tools and pipelines for comparative genomics with application to evolution in Fungi" and "Focusing on survivors: Understanding how some amphibian populations persist beyond chytridiomycosis outbreaks" My research was featured in three new textbooks: Integrative Animal Biology (Fenton, Dumont, Owen, Campbell. Nelson Education), Learning and Behavior (Cengage Learning), and Sensory Ecology (Oxford University Press). I ran an outreach event for elementary school students entitled "Save the Frogs Day" where >100 kindergarden students visit my lab for a morning of hands-on science and art activities to learn about amphibian biodiversity and conservation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The most significant accomplishment from my 2013 activities was a comprehensive global assessment of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) strains from around the world. Under major goal 1), we sequenced full genomes from 30 global Bd isolates, including a number of deadly samples from California that are responsible for amphibian declines in sensitive California ecosystems. We used the genomic data to understand the history of the spread of Bd around the world and its invasion into California. We also used the genomic data to identify mechanisms for rapid evolution in Bd. We identified several processes that could lead to rapid shifts in Bd virulence. This research was published in 2013 in PNAS and was highlighted in a special "In this Issue" companion article. Under major goal 2), we conducted gene expression studies for several amphibian species include some of the most invasive and the most endangered species in California. We found that susceptible species share a gene expression response that includes disruption of skin function and lack of immune response. These results are in preparation for publication and will have a conservation impact as we work to protect some of California's most endangered frog species. Under major goal 3), we have continued to integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools, which provides new resources for other researchers in our field. Under major goal 4), we continue increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health via outreach activities described below.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rosenblum, E.B., T.Y. James, K.R Zamudio, T.J. Poorten, D. Ilut et al. 2013. Complex history of the amphibian-killing chytrid fungus revealed with genome resequencing data. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110(23): 9193-9194.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: My research aims to understand the threats of emerging infectious diseases on economically, ecologically, and agriculturally important species in California. In 2012, I had a number of significant activities including studies in both lab and field settings. First, we made significant progress understanding the genetic basis of fungal pathogenicity by sequencing genomes of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of the chytrid fungus. Second, we made significant progress understanding the impact of disease on amphibian speices that are key players in ecosystem health and agricultural ecosystem services, by conducting gene expression assays in susceptible hosts. In addition to research activities, I participated in a number of significant events and opportunities for dissemination. I was an invited symposium speaker in a UC Davis workshop entitled "Symposium on the Conservation of Extremely Small Populations". I was an invited symposium speaker at the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine for the "Forum on Microbial Threats". I was an invited speaker at several Women in Science events including a special session at the Evolution Meetings entitled "Advancing diversity in evolution". Finally, I was featured in an outreach video entitled "Why we need to broaden participation in science". PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jamie Voyles (postdoc) and PhD candidate Thomas Poorten (graduate student) were 2012 personnel in the Rosenblum lab (Dr. Erica Bree Rosenblum, PI) that contributed significantly to the research activities. The research activities described above provided training opportunities for these personnel. The research activities have also been conducted in collaboration with Roland Knapp of the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Cherie Briggs from UC Santa Barbara. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project aims to increase knowledge across different sectors of our society. Results reach undergraduate students through the PI's teaching an upper division undergraduate "Global Change Biology" course at UC Berkeley. Results reach the scientific community through research publications. Results reach policymakers through my participation at National Academy Institute of Medicine events. Results reach the public through popular press articles written about our research. For example, our 2012 research was featured in the following press articles: New Scientist, Holmes, B. 2012. Genetic detectives hunt the global amphibian killer. New Scientist issue 2872, July 13 2012. National Science Foundation, News. 2012. Blood samples show deadly frog fungus at work in the wild. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
A number of significant changes in knowledge occurred as a result of my 2012 activities. First, we identified mechanisms of pathogenesis in the deadly chytrid fungus, that is responsible for amphibian declines in sensitive California ecosystems. Specifically, we found that specific protease gene families are likely to function as pathogenicity factors. This work will ultimately have conservation impacts as our results help guide targetted treatments for this deadly disease. Second, we identified mechanisms of susceptibility in amphibian species that are particularly vulnerable to chytrid infection. Specifically, we found that susceptible species share a gene expression response that includes disruption of skin function and lack of immune response. These results also will have a conservation impact as we work to protect some of California's most endangered frog species. We have continued to integrate field research with cutting-edge genomics tools, which provides new resources for other researchers in our field. Finally, we continue increase public understanding of the importance of biodiversity for agriculture and ecosystem health via outreach activities described above.

Publications

  • Note that the 2012 Molecular Ecology paper was highlighted as "From the Cover" article and selected by Faculty of 1000.
  • Rosenblum, E.B., T.J. Poorten, S. Joneson, M. Settles. 2012. Substrate-specific gene expression in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the chytrid pathogen of amphibians. PLoS ONE 7(11): e49924
  • Voyles, J., L.R. Johnson, C.J. Briggs, S.D. Cashins, R.A. Alford, L. Berger, L. Skerratt, R. Speare, E.B. Rosenblum, L.F. Skerratt, R. Speare. 2012. Temperature alters reproductive life history patterns in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal pathogen associated with the global loss of amphibians. Ecology and Evolution: doi: 10.1002/ece3.334.
  • Voyles, J., V.T. Vredenburg, T.S. Tunstall, J.M Parker, C.J. Briggs, E.B. Rosenblum. 2012. Pathophysiology in mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa and Rana sierrae) during a chytriodiomycosis outbreak. PLoS ONE 7(4): e35374.
  • Rosenblum, E.B., M. Settles, G. Murdoch, T. Poorten. 2012. Only skin deep: the genetics of death by the chytrid fungus in endangered frogs. Molecular Ecology 21: 3110-3120.