OpportunityTitle: Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.  CESU&#226;&#191;&#191;s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and support education by involving active students enrolled at universities in the research projects. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description: The Western Ecological Research Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for the analyses of data related to gene expression (RNA-seq) in the Mojave Desert Tortoise and other wildlife. This project is aimed at identifying expressed genes and related cellular pathways that respond in Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). Tissue samples (e.g. blood) will be collected from tortoises and analyzed by profiling gene expression (RNA sequencing [RNA-seq]). Samples and data from a variety of projects and different research designs will be analyzed using a library of biological health information on tortoises and environmental covariates that is maintained by USGS and will continue to be developed as part of this collaboration. By analyzing gene expression data and identifying these cellular and immune pathways, we can explore opportunities to identify and quantitatively measure molecular and cellular responses that may be changing as a result of habitat disturbance, disease, and other environmental stressors. The experiments may include, but are not limited to, the analysis of RNA-seq data from Mojave desert tortoises classified as clinically normal, diseased, and nutritionally deficient. Other health classifications may be considered as the work proceeds.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Contract Specialist
GrantorContactText: Faith Graves 703-648-7356&lt;br/&gt;fgraves@usgs.gov&lt;br/&gt;