Dissertation
Molecular investigations of the neural system in the Crown-of-Thorns Seastar, Acanthaster planci species-complex
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00241
Abstract
Population outbreaks of the Crown-of-Thorns Seastar (COTS), Acanthaster planci cf. solaris has caused irrefutable damage to coral reefs around the globe, particularly the Great Barrier Reef. As COTS preferentially feed on reef-building corals such as Scleractinia and Acropora, the capacity for COTS to consume >10 m2 of coral annually outstrips the corals growth rate. Aside from the damage caused by COTS, factors contributing to the accelerating loss of coral are the impacts of coral bleaching and the increased presence and severity of tropical cyclones. Of these variables, only COTS can be mitigated by immediate human intervention, so strategic and long-term solutions are desirable. Current COTS control methods are laborious and expensive with extrapolated estimates predicting a decline to less than 10 % coral cover remaining on the reef in coming decades, unless intervened. Knowledge gaps that exist on the molecular regulation of COTS biological processes (e.g. reproduction, feeding, growth) limit the development of effective control methods. As an echinoderm, COTS occupy a unique position as invertebrate deuterostomes and as such may hold critical information in both evolution and speciation of this coral predator. Of the Acanthaster genus there are two species, the A. planci and the Acanthaster brevispinus. Despite the ability to successfully produce hybrid offspring, the A brevispinus does not have an appetite for coral, nor undergo population outbreaks that are characteristic of A. planci. It is theorised that the speciation occurred from the A. brevispinus, yet to the extent of which these species differ is still unknown. Identifying species-specific attributes and unique biological traits will be most advantageous in the quest to better understand COTS and in the development toward biocontrol strategies. By targeting the system that coordinates the biological and physiological functioning of an animal, in this case the neural system, we can narrow down on candidate areas for investigative research. With advances in sequencing and mass spectral technologies it is now possible to study a species at multiple levels, from the gene to the protein. The purpose of this doctoral thesis was to investigate the radial nerve cord (RNC) of the COTS, its neural signalling components (neuropeptides and small molecule neurotransmitters) and candidate cognate receptors.
Details
- Title
- Molecular investigations of the neural system in the Crown-of-Thorns Seastar, Acanthaster planci species-complex
- Authors
- Meaghan Smith
- Contributors
- Scott F Cummins (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00241
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451605302621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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