Microbial Specialization During Male Pregnancy in Pipefishes
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Clayton Small, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
My research addresses the potential for different assemblages of microorganisms (“microbiomes”) in different regions within a host (pipefish) body, and whether certain body sites, such as those with stronger ties to host reproduction and immunity, show stronger influence on microbiome composition. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we are investigating whether males of the Syngnathidae fish family evolved specialized microbiomes associated with their novel brood pouches. Our study includes two pipefish species (genus “Corythoichthys”) from Guam, and we are characterizing microbiomes from the gill, external and internal brood pouch, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
During my project, I purified DNA and tested samples for bacterial DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I learned column-based DNA isolation, PCR optimization of bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments, agarose gel electrophoresis, and general laboratory skills including maintaining clean working conditions, reagent calculations, recording results, and laboratory notebook procedures. I confirmed bacterial DNA in different pipefish tissues, a necessary step toward high-throughput sequencing libraries. Current and future work includes assessing DNA concentration, amplifying libraries, and performing microbial community analysis using the high-throughput sequencing data to determine whether host body sites important to reproduction and fitness more strongly filter microbial communities.
Microbial Specialization During Male Pregnancy in Pipefishes
My research addresses the potential for different assemblages of microorganisms (“microbiomes”) in different regions within a host (pipefish) body, and whether certain body sites, such as those with stronger ties to host reproduction and immunity, show stronger influence on microbiome composition. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we are investigating whether males of the Syngnathidae fish family evolved specialized microbiomes associated with their novel brood pouches. Our study includes two pipefish species (genus “Corythoichthys”) from Guam, and we are characterizing microbiomes from the gill, external and internal brood pouch, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
During my project, I purified DNA and tested samples for bacterial DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I learned column-based DNA isolation, PCR optimization of bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments, agarose gel electrophoresis, and general laboratory skills including maintaining clean working conditions, reagent calculations, recording results, and laboratory notebook procedures. I confirmed bacterial DNA in different pipefish tissues, a necessary step toward high-throughput sequencing libraries. Current and future work includes assessing DNA concentration, amplifying libraries, and performing microbial community analysis using the high-throughput sequencing data to determine whether host body sites important to reproduction and fitness more strongly filter microbial communities.