Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Rupert Joseph with signature.pdf (2.32 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression in the prehensile tails of didelphid marsupials: functional differences between arboreal and terrestrial opossums

Rupert, Joseph E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1370354125

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry.
Prehensile tails are defined as having the ability to grasp objects and may commonly be used as a fifth appendage during arboreal locomotion. Despite the independent evolution of tail prehensility in numerous mammalian genera, data relating muscle structure, physiology, and function of prehensile tails are largely incomplete. Didelphid marsupials make an excellent model to relate myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform fiber type with structure/function of caudal muscles, because all opossums have a prehensile tail, but tail function varies widely between arboreal and terrestrial forms. Expanding on our previous study in the Virginia opossum, this investigation tests the hypothesis that arboreal and terrestrial opossums differentially express fast versus slow MHC isoforms, respectively. MHC expression and percent fiber type distribution were determined in the flexor caudae longus (FCL) muscle of Caluromys derbianus (arboreal) and Monodelphis domestica (terrestrial), using a combination of gel electrophoresis and immuno-histochemistry analyses. C. derbianus expresses three MHC isoforms (1, 2A, 2X) in the FCL that are distributed as 8.2% MHC-1, 2.5% 1/2A, and 89.3% 2A/X hybrid fibers. M. domestica expresses MHC-1, 2A, 2X, and 2B, distributed as 17.2% MHC-1, 0.7% 1/2A, 7.7% 2A, 73.9% 2A/X, and 0.3% 2X/B hybrid fibers. The distribution of similar fiber types differed significantly between species (P<0.001). Although not statistically significant, C. derbianus was observed to have larger cross-sectional area (CSA) for each corresponding fiber type along with a greater amount of extra-cellular matrix. An overall faster fiber type composition (and larger fibers) in the FCL of an arboreal specialist supports our hypothesis, and correlates with higher muscle force required for tail-hanging and arboreal maneuvering on terminal substrates. Conversely, a broader distribution of highly oxidative fibers is well suited to the tail nest building behaviors of terrestrial opossums.
Michael Butcher, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Mark Womble, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Gary Walker, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
72 p.
Biology; Technology
Opossum; prehensile; tail; fiber type

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rupert, J. E. (2013). Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression in the prehensile tails of didelphid marsupials: functional differences between arboreal and terrestrial opossums [Master's thesis, Youngstown State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1370354125

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rupert, Joseph. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression in the prehensile tails of didelphid marsupials: functional differences between arboreal and terrestrial opossums. 2013. Youngstown State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1370354125.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rupert, Joseph. "Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression in the prehensile tails of didelphid marsupials: functional differences between arboreal and terrestrial opossums." Master's thesis, Youngstown State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1370354125

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ysu1370354125
600
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Youngstown State University and OhioLINK.