Global DNA Methylation Analysis in North American Moose
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Methylation is a modification that does not alter the DNA sequence itself, yet has the ability to affect transcription and the expression of the resulting genes. DNA methylation was quantified from hair samples obtained from 29 Moose located in the North-East Kingdom of Vermont along with tick count. Such stressors have the capacity to alter methylation levels across individuals. Due to the small dataset, there was no significant correlation between methylation and tick count. Additionally, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites showed no strong relationship against methylation levels. Usage of this small dataset hindered conclusive results but led to the generation of questions for further examination. This study serves as a starting point for DNA methylation assessments in Moose
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Stephanie McKay
Graduate Student Mentors
Suraj Bhattarai, Emory Pacht
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Animal Science
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Global DNA Methylation Analysis in North American Moose
Methylation is a modification that does not alter the DNA sequence itself, yet has the ability to affect transcription and the expression of the resulting genes. DNA methylation was quantified from hair samples obtained from 29 Moose located in the North-East Kingdom of Vermont along with tick count. Such stressors have the capacity to alter methylation levels across individuals. Due to the small dataset, there was no significant correlation between methylation and tick count. Additionally, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites showed no strong relationship against methylation levels. Usage of this small dataset hindered conclusive results but led to the generation of questions for further examination. This study serves as a starting point for DNA methylation assessments in Moose