Mark P. Gunderson, Ph.D.

Summary:

Environmental regulation of endogenous antioxidant and detoxification pathways in invertebrate model systems

My research group examines the regulation of endogenous antioxidants and detoxification pathways by environmental factors.  Modulations in these endpoints can provide basic information on the potential adverse effects of environmental stress on populations as well as serve as sub-lethal indicators of exposure to contaminants in organisms inhabiting impacted ecosystems. In recent years, we have studied these pathways in the signal crayfish (Pacifasticus leniusculus), which is abundant in Idaho and easily housed in captivity thus making them excellent model organisms for lab-based studies.  Our goal is to learn more about the regulation of these systems in invertebrate models and eventually screen wildlife for evidence of exposure to stressors in various ecosystems.

Minimum Classes: Introductory Biology and Chemistry. Molecular Biology and Physiology desirable.

Projects: Students participating on this project will use enzymatic assays to measure and compare biomarkers indicative of contaminant exposure in crayfish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of natural and synthetic compounds.