Meeting Abstract

P3-23   -   Immediate-Early-Gene Expression in Zebra Finches Exposed to Light Pollution Chakraborty, A*; Hui, C; Alaasam, VJ; Ouyang, JQ; University of Nevada, Reno; University of Nevada, Reno; University of Nevada, Reno; University of Nevada, Reno runichakra@gmail.com http://jennyouyang.com

Light pollution is one of the most pervasive anthropogenic challenges affecting wildlife. Artificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt the natural light-dark cycles that vertebrates rely on for biological function. ALAN disrupts behavior and physiology in many vertebrate taxa, especially avian systems that rely on precise light information for seasonal and daily life-history timing. We recently found that dim ALAN may bypass the central and peripheral clocks, causing phenotypic changes. Therefore, an open question is where and how dim ALAN causes these downstream effects. We utilized immunofluorescence to localize immediate-early gene expression in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) exposed to ALAN. We will discuss findings in the context of nighttime behavior and circadian gene expression.