The effects of environmental stress on immunological activity in the Japanese pearl
Pearl farming is a low impact, high value component of the Australian aquaculture industry.
However, disease often threatens the productivity of pearl oyster culture. Previous studies have
identified a clear relationship between environmental stress and altered immunological activity in
many oyster species.
In this current study Rhiannon is investigating the role of environmental stress in modulating
immune function in pearl oysters, focusing on the effects of hormonal stress responses and
apoptosis on immunological defences. Rhiannon will use a range of analytical techniques will be used to define this
relationship. The goal of the project is to develop a more robust pearl oyster aquaculture industry by
better understanding the relationship between the immune system, environmental stress and
disease susceptibility.
Rhiannon's project is supervised by Macquarie Universities Assoc Prof David Raftos.
