Analyzing Telomere Length in a Sentinel Species: Using Lessons from Nature to Inform Human Health
Abstract
Sentinel species are animals that are susceptible to environmental factors and can be used to determine how the environment may also affect human health. One such species is the Icelandic rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), whose recent changes in population levels caught the attention of ecologists. To determine what drives the changes in their population, this project analyzes the fitness of 63 ptarmigans by measuring their telomere length, an established biomarker of health and aging. DNA samples collected in Iceland from 2006 to 2016 were used in a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay that determined relative telomere length (RTL). These were then analyzed against physiological data, including body condition and diet indices. Statistical tests showed significant correlations between RTL and ceca length as well as with the abundance of a putative keystone gut microbe. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found with overall body condition. Figuring out why certain factors influence ptarmigan health more than others could help predict what environmental factors affect human health as well.
Analyzing Telomere Length in a Sentinel Species: Using Lessons from Nature to Inform Human Health
Sentinel species are animals that are susceptible to environmental factors and can be used to determine how the environment may also affect human health. One such species is the Icelandic rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), whose recent changes in population levels caught the attention of ecologists. To determine what drives the changes in their population, this project analyzes the fitness of 63 ptarmigans by measuring their telomere length, an established biomarker of health and aging. DNA samples collected in Iceland from 2006 to 2016 were used in a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay that determined relative telomere length (RTL). These were then analyzed against physiological data, including body condition and diet indices. Statistical tests showed significant correlations between RTL and ceca length as well as with the abundance of a putative keystone gut microbe. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found with overall body condition. Figuring out why certain factors influence ptarmigan health more than others could help predict what environmental factors affect human health as well.