ENVIRONMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE STUDIES

Our research aims to assess the impacts that anthropogenic noise can have on the central nervous of the Caribbean hermit crab, C. clypeatus. Our experimental design includes multiple techniques such as behavioral paradigms, inmunohistochemistry and western blot. Our approach enables us to evaluate the molecular and behavioral mechanisms controlled by the central nervous system and how it is disrupted by abiotic factors. Our goal is to use the Caribbean hermit crab as a bioindicator to study how littoral animal species are affected by noise in the coastal zones of Puerto Rico.

BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS

By: Paola N. Negrón-Moreno

Behavioral patterns are crucial for understanding how organisms adapt and maladapt to their environment.  In Dr. De Jesús’ Lab, we analyze Coenobita clypeatus’ shell selection and predator response to assess the impact of noise on their decision making, attention and resource assessment.

DISSECTION PROTOCOL

By: Ana D. González-Colón

Dissection is an important technique to study anatomical structures and understand the physiology of an animal's body. In Dr. De Jesús' Lab., we dissect Coenobita clypeatus' central nervous system in order to study the concentration and expression of proteins and neural substrates using western blot and immunohistochemical assays.

WESTERN BLOT ASSAYS

By: Francisco J. Torres-Torres

Western Blot is utilized for the identification, differentiation, and quantification of target proteins. Measuring concentrations of proteins such as synapsin via Western Blot allows us to compare the effects of different sound exposure treatments on C. clypeatus’ nervous system.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY ASSAYS

By: Enrique Cruz-Reyes

Immunohistochemistry is a frequently used technique that detects, amplifies and makes visible proteins in specific tissues. It uses antibodies to recognize the antigens in a specific protein. In this video we discuss the protocol we use in our lab and how we use this technique to study the expression of proteins in C. clypeatus' central nervous system.

Permits:
DRNA: 218-1C-071 (E)
IACUC A450118