This $240,471 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Integrative Organismal Systems will fund research into keystone molecules and estuarine food webs. The grant is part of NSF's Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to advance biological science knowledge and address major problems facing the nation.
Specifically, the University of Utah will investigate polyketide compounds produced by small sea slugs of the genus Alderia that are abundant on mudflats in northern hemisphere estuaries. The researchers will characterize a biosynthetic pathway and novel polyketide metabolites in the slugs. They will determine if these compounds protect Alderia from predators and estimate their impact on energy flow through higher trophic levels. Additional studies will assess the rapid evolution of Batesian mimicry in introduced isopods and test the effects of polyketides on mudflat microbiomes and infaunal communities. Modeling will explore range limits and climate change impacts. Overall, the research aims to enhance understanding of how keystone molecules may unexpectedly alter threatened estuary ecosystems.
Generated 1/7/24, 7:17 AM