Project:

sea star microbiome and saponin production affected by sea star wasting disease (SSWD)

Students:

Serena Kesha, Angela Wu

Institution:

LaGuardia Community College,

Mentors:

Thomas Onorato

Abstract:

Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) is a disease that is responsible for massive declines in sea star populations, yet little is known about its causes or long-term effects. As an immune system response, sea stars do produce saponins, natural molecules in the form of steroid glycosides, that serve as a chemical defense mechanism in case of threat. Microbial communities also have a role to play in the health of their host and may change in diversity as a result of SSWD. In this proposal, we attempt to find a connection between saponin production and microbiome diversity in healthy versus wasting sea stars.

Poster:

Team samples: