Mentor/s
Nicole Roy
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalic acid ester (PAE) added during manufacturing of plastic compounds to provide strength, yet keep plastics flexible. DBP is found in products like shower curtains, raincoats, bowls, vinyl fabrics, and medical tubing. However, PAEs are not covalently bound and easily leach into the environment. DBP is found in air, soil and water samples as a noted biological pollutant. Studying the impacts DBP on the developmental stages of life is important as this period underscores the development of adult structures. Zebrafish are used as a model organism in our study due to their physical attributes and presence in other toxicology studies. Our research studies the effects of DBP on embryonic hindbrain development in zebrafish. The findings show that DBP alters the length and width of the Mauthner neurons in rhombomere 4 of the hindbrain. Further, we note alterations and disruptions in branchiomotor neuron development and migration patterns. We conclude that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of DBP during embryonic stages is neurotoxic to the development of the hindbrain.
College and Major available
Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry MS
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Start Day/Time
4-29-2022 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-29-2022 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Best Visuals
Hindbrain Defects Induced by Di-butyl Phthalate (DBP) in Developing Zebrafish Embryos
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalic acid ester (PAE) added during manufacturing of plastic compounds to provide strength, yet keep plastics flexible. DBP is found in products like shower curtains, raincoats, bowls, vinyl fabrics, and medical tubing. However, PAEs are not covalently bound and easily leach into the environment. DBP is found in air, soil and water samples as a noted biological pollutant. Studying the impacts DBP on the developmental stages of life is important as this period underscores the development of adult structures. Zebrafish are used as a model organism in our study due to their physical attributes and presence in other toxicology studies. Our research studies the effects of DBP on embryonic hindbrain development in zebrafish. The findings show that DBP alters the length and width of the Mauthner neurons in rhombomere 4 of the hindbrain. Further, we note alterations and disruptions in branchiomotor neuron development and migration patterns. We conclude that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of DBP during embryonic stages is neurotoxic to the development of the hindbrain.
Students' Information
Evelyn Paquette, Biochemistry BS/MS, Honors, 2023
Alissa Rodrigues, Biology, 2022
Naomi Mumper, Molecular and Cell Biology, 2022
Sierrah Rich, Neuroscience, 2022 Winner, Dean's Prize: College of Arts & Sciences 2022 award.