Identifying new small proteins through a molecular biology course-based undergraduate research experience laboratory class.

We developed a curriculum for an upper-level molecular biology course-based undergraduate research laboratory class funded by a National Science Foundation CAREER grant that focuses on identifying new small proteins in the bacterium, Escherichia coli. Our CURE class has been continually offered each semester for the last 10 years, with multiple instructors collaboratively developing and implementing their own pedagogical approach while maintaining the same overall scientific goal and experimental strategy. In this paper, we delineate the experimental strategy for our molecular biology CURE laboratory class, describe a range of pedagogical approaches implemented by multiple instructors, and provide recommendations for teaching the class.

Local adaptation of the MHC class IIβ gene in populations of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) correlates with proximity to agriculture.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes code for membrane-embedded proteins that are involved in parasite/pathogen recognition. The link between the MHC and immunity makes these genes important genetic markers to evaluate in systems where infectious disease is associated with population declines. As human impacts on wildlife populations continue to increase, it is also essential to evaluate the role of MHC and immunity in the context of anthropogenic change.

A Severe Ranavirus Outbreak in Captive, Wild-Caught Box Turtles.

A Ranavirus outbreak in a captive population of wild-caught individuals was monitored using clinical evaluations and real-time PCR in 317 wild box turtles held in captivity during translocation. During the 2-year study period, the population experienced 71.6% mortality, suggesting that ranaviruses can rapidly attenuate populations.

Characterization of the Cutaneous Bacterial Communities of Two Giant Salamander Subspecies.

Pathogens currently threaten the existence of many amphibian species. In efforts to combat global declines, researchers have characterized the amphibian cutaneous microbiome as a resource for disease management. Characterization of microbial communities has become useful in studying the links between organismal health and the host microbiome.

Mosquitoes as a Potential Vector of Ranavirus Transmission in Terrestrial Turtles.

Ranaviruses are significant pathogens of amphibians, reptiles, and fishes, contributing to mass mortality events worldwide. Despite an increasing focus on ranavirus ecology, our understanding of ranavirus transmission, especially among reptilian hosts, remains limited. For example, experimental evidence for oral transmission of the virus in chelonians is mixed.

Seasonal variation in hematology and blood plasma chemistry values of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).

Hematology, biochemical analyses, and body condition indices are useful tools for describing animal health, especially when making management decisions for species of conservation concern. We report hematologic, biochemical, and body condition index data for 13 free-ranging timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) sampled repeatedly over an active season in Indiana, USA.

Unexpectedly low rangewide population genetic structure of the imperiled eastern box turtle Terrapene c. carolina.

Rangewide studies of genetic parameters can elucidate patterns and processes that operate only over large geographic scales. Herein, we present a rangewide population genetic assessment of the eastern box turtle Terrapene c. carolina, a species that is in steep decline across its range.

Of contigs and quagmires: next-generation sequencing pitfalls associated with transcriptomic studies.

Molecular ecologists have good reasons to be excited about the newest DNA/RNA sequencing technologies. However, this exuberance should be tempered with a hefty dose of reality: new sequencing technologies come with significant new challenges. Herein, we offer a brief overview of some practical problems encountered during transcriptomics studies conducted in our laboratory, and of nontrivial issues that prospective practitioners should consider.

Temporal variance in hematologic and plasma biochemical reference intervals for free-ranging eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).

Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) populations are in decline, likely due to anthropogenic forces and disease, necessitating hematologic and biochemical data from healthy individuals for evaluation of wild populations. We repeatedly sampled 21 free-ranging eastern box turtles from May to September 2009 in the spring, summer, and fall to establish temporal hematologic and biochemical reference intervals. Packed cell volume, aspartate aminotransferase, and potassium levels declined significantly as the active season progressed.