Christopher Talbot
Pronouns: he/they
Research Mentor(s): Roberto Marquez Pizano
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Ecology and Evolutiionary Biology / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Chris Talbot, Roberto Márquez
Presenter: 103
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technologies have opened up the field of genetic research to a much wider range of study systems. Where old techniques of genetic engineering were complex, expensive, and time consuming, CRISPR is relatively quick and efficient. This allows us to explore genetic modification in a more diverse range of organisms – rather than focusing on common model organisms, such as rats, mice, and fruit flies, we can now explore a wider diversity of species. This study aims to develop a clear outline for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockouts in the genus of poison-dart frogs, Phyllobates. We hope for this study to then be generalizable to not only other genera of poison frogs, but other families of amphibians as well. This will make genetic modification experiments more straight-forward and accessible for amphibian researchers of all sorts. We varied parameters such as CRISPR-Cas9 solution concentration, egg dejellying methods, and egg rearing techniques to optimize cutting efficiency and survivorship of modified embryos. This work will provide a basic guideline that can be used to further develop CRISPR technology in poison frogs, for example by balancing trade-offs between genome editing efficiency efficiency and post-injection embryo survivorship.
Interdisciplinary, Natural/Life Sciences
