$222,000 Grant for Biology Research on Reproduction of Pipefish

Morgantown, W.Va., September 27, 2007:  Dr. Jennifer Ripley, research assistant professor of Biology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, and Dr. Christy Foran, associate professor of Biology, have received a $222,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for a project titled “Relating Diversity of Brood Pouch Structure and Species Susceptibility to Environmental Factors.”

The goal of their research is to study the differences in brooding among the pipefish species, determine the rate of transfer of nutrients using stable isotopes, and track the growth of blood vessels in the brood pouch wall.

This project benefits the public as researchers can test the effects of emerging contaminants on embryos in pipefish to better predict if any harmful effects may arise in humans.

Male seahorses and pipefish of the Syngnathidae family have special structures for brooding embryos and fry, including a placenta-like surface called the brood pouch.  Significant differences have been described in the brood pouch between two closely-related pipfishes, Syngnathus floridae and Syngnathus fuscus.  

“Our studies are among the first to explore the function of brood pouch in this diverse and interesting family,” said Dr. Ripley.  “The results will determine whether closely related species can have very different placental-like functions in the brood pouch.”

Specifically, the two species differ in the contribution of proteins and lipids from the male and female parent to developing embryos and fry.  Data suggests S. fuscus embryos rely more on nutrients from the male parent and developing S. floridae rely more on female parent nutrients.  

“This extensive project is being conducted at the Marine Science Consortium in Wallops Island, Va. and focuses on the unique mode of reproduction in pipefish and their habitat,” explained Dr. Ripley.  “At the site, an interactive display highlights our findings and will introduce the process of scientific discovery, improve biological literacy, and further the understanding of estuarine systems of participating students.”

The grant extends from Dr. Ripley’s dissertation research in Dr. Foran’s laboratory that began in July 2002.  After graduation in May 2006, she completed a post-doctoral appointment and was promoted in July 2007 after news of the grant.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Ripley at (304) 293-5201 ext. 31537 or jripley@mix.wvu.edu.

W-V-U