[All-postdocs] Bioseminar Alia Hidayat ***at Clark 271***

[Ana M Velez]

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Biology Department Seminar
Thursday, June 23, 2022 - 12:00 Noon

Alia Hidayat
PhD Candidate MIT-WHOI Joint Program

Neuroimmune Effects of Early Life Exposure to a Harmful Algal Toxin
Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxin produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia that can accumulate in shellfish and cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). DA-producing blooms can have significant impacts on human and wildlife health, with severe consequences for communities dependent on impacted fisheries. Clinical signs of DA toxicosis such as disorientation, seizures, and uncoordinated movement have been reported in several wildlife species and in humans. Children and developing fetuses may be particularly vulnerable to DA. Studies in animal models demonstrate that developmental exposure to DA can result in defects in brain structure and connectivity, increased sensitivity to subsequent stressors, and altered behavior. Despite this, the cellular mechanisms of developmental DA toxicity are not well understood. I hypothesize that, as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and primary responders to CNS injury, microglia are activated by DA exposure and that this could have long-term effects on adult health and behavior. To investigate this hypothesis, I utilized the unique strengths of the zebrafish model including the availability of transgenic reporter lines, transparency, external development, and fast generation times. I first established windows of sensitivity to DA exposure and showed that, interestingly, susceptibility to DA varies significantly based on developmental stage. I then used confocal microscopy to demonstrate that DA does induce microglial activation at concentrations that do not result in permanent deformities. Additionally, I showed that this activation occurs independently of cell death, suggesting that DA may act directly on microglia. This work establishes that microglia are a novel target of early life DA exposure, which may have long-term consequences on health.

In person: Clark 271 (Quissett campus)  Zoom: https://whoi-edu.zoom.us/j/95929945818 Meeting ID: 959 2994 5818   By dial: Find your local number: https://whoi-edu.zoom.us/u/abUN2KvnGI
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