A University of Victoria molecular biologist has gained new insights into how environmental contaminants may disrupt thyroid systems, discovered while assembling the genome of the North American bullfrog.
Caren Helbing’s findings could help explain the mechanisms of early development and metamorphosis, as well as how environmental contaminants cause thyroid-related diseases and malfunctions.
A University of Victoria molecular biologist has gained new insights into how environmental contaminants may disrupt thyroid systems, discovered while assembling the genome of the North American bullfrog.
Caren Helbing’s findings could help explain the mechanisms of early development and metamorphosis, as well as how environmental contaminants cause thyroid-related diseases and malfunctions.
While bullfrogs might be best known as invasive species in much of Canada, they are also vital animal models for scientific research.
“Understanding the mechanisms of gene expression in bullfrogs provides valuable insights with applications in human health, conservation and developmental biology,” says Helbing.
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Image via University of Victoria.
