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• 1. [Article] Growth Phase-Dependent Gene Regulation in Vivo in Sulfolobus Solfataricus

  Ribosomal genes are strongly regulated dependent on growth phase in all organisms, but this regulation is poorly understood in Archaea. Moreover, very little is known about growth phase-dependent gene ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Growth Phase-Dependent Gene Regulation in Vivo in Sulfolobus Solfataricus Author: DeYoung, Melissa, Thayer, Michelle, Van der Oost, John, Stedman, Kenneth M. Year: 2011 Ribosomal genes are strongly regulated dependent on growth phase in all organisms, but this regulation is poorly understood in Archaea. Moreover, very little is known about growth phase-dependent gene regulation in Archaea. SSV1- based lacS reporter gene constructs containing the Sulfolobus 16S/23S rRNA gene core promoter, the TF55a core promoter, or the native lacS promoter were tested in Sulfolobus solfataricus cells lacking the lacS gene. The 42-bp 16S/23S rRNA gene and 39-bp TF55a core promoters are sufficient for gene expression in S. solfataricus. However, only gene expression driven by the 16S/23S rRNA gene core promoter is dependent on the culture growth phase. This is the smallest known regulated promoter in Sulfolobus. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show growth phase-dependent rRNA gene regulation in Archaea. Title: Growth Phase-Dependent Gene Regulation in Vivo in Sulfolobus Solfataricus Author: DeYoung, Melissa, Thayer, Michelle, Van der Oost, John, Stedman, Kenneth M. Year: 2011 Ribosomal genes are strongly regulated dependent on growth phase in all organisms, but this regulation is poorly understood in Archaea. Moreover, very little is known about growth phase-dependent gene regulation in Archaea. SSV1- based lacS reporter gene constructs containing the Sulfolobus 16S/23S rRNA gene core promoter, the TF55a core promoter, or the native lacS promoter were tested in Sulfolobus solfataricus cells lacking the lacS gene. The 42-bp 16S/23S rRNA gene and 39-bp TF55a core promoters are sufficient for gene expression in S. solfataricus. However, only gene expression driven by the 16S/23S rRNA gene core promoter is dependent on the culture growth phase. This is the smallest known regulated promoter in Sulfolobus. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show growth phase-dependent rRNA gene regulation in Archaea. Close

• 2. [Article] The Cul3 Ubiquitin Ligase: An Essential Regulator of Diverse Cellular Processes

  Cul3 forms E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that regulate a variety of cellular processes. This dissertation describes Cul3‘s role in several of these pathways and provides new mechanistic details regarding ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Cul3 Ubiquitin Ligase: An Essential Regulator of Diverse Cellular Processes Author: Davidge, Brittney Marie Year: 2017 Cul3 forms E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that regulate a variety of cellular processes. This dissertation describes Cul3‘s role in several of these pathways and provides new mechanistic details regarding the role of Cul3 in eukaryotic cells. Cyclin E is an example of a protein that is regulated in a Cul3-dependent manner. Cyclin E is a cell cycle regulator that controls the beginning of DNA replication in mammalian cells. Increased levels of cyclin E are found in some cancers, in addition, proteolytic removal of the cyclin E N-terminus occurs in some cancers and is associated with tumorigenesis. Cyclin E levels are tightly regulated and controlled in part through ubiquitin-mediated degradation initiated by one of two E3 ligase complexes, Cul1 and Cul3. Cul1 mediated degradation of cyclin E is triggered by cyclin E phosphorylation, however the mechanism Cul3 uses to ubiquitinate cyclin E is poorly understood. In order to gain a better understanding of how Cul3 mediates cyclin E destruction we identified the degron on cyclin E that is important in Cul3 dependent degradation. In addition, we show this degron is lacking in LMW cyclin E (found in abundance in breast cancer), providing a novel mechanism for how these cyclin E modifications result in increased cyclin E levels by avoiding the Cul3 degradation pathway. Title: The Cul3 Ubiquitin Ligase: An Essential Regulator of Diverse Cellular Processes Author: Davidge, Brittney Marie Year: 2017 Cul3 forms E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that regulate a variety of cellular processes. This dissertation describes Cul3‘s role in several of these pathways and provides new mechanistic details regarding the role of Cul3 in eukaryotic cells. Cyclin E is an example of a protein that is regulated in a Cul3-dependent manner. Cyclin E is a cell cycle regulator that controls the beginning of DNA replication in mammalian cells. Increased levels of cyclin E are found in some cancers, in addition, proteolytic removal of the cyclin E N-terminus occurs in some cancers and is associated with tumorigenesis. Cyclin E levels are tightly regulated and controlled in part through ubiquitin-mediated degradation initiated by one of two E3 ligase complexes, Cul1 and Cul3. Cul1 mediated degradation of cyclin E is triggered by cyclin E phosphorylation, however the mechanism Cul3 uses to ubiquitinate cyclin E is poorly understood. In order to gain a better understanding of how Cul3 mediates cyclin E destruction we identified the degron on cyclin E that is important in Cul3 dependent degradation. In addition, we show this degron is lacking in LMW cyclin E (found in abundance in breast cancer), providing a novel mechanism for how these cyclin E modifications result in increased cyclin E levels by avoiding the Cul3 degradation pathway. Close

• 3. [Article] Transcriptomic Regulation of Alternative Phenotypic Trajectories in Embryos of the Annual Killifish <i>Austrofundulus limnaeus</i>

  The Annual Killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus, survives the seasonal drying of their pond habitat in the form of embryos entering diapause midway through development. The diapause trajectory is one of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Transcriptomic Regulation of Alternative Phenotypic Trajectories in Embryos of the Annual Killifish <i>Austrofundulus limnaeus</i> Author: Romney, Amie Lynn Thomas Year: 2017 The Annual Killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus, survives the seasonal drying of their pond habitat in the form of embryos entering diapause midway through development. The diapause trajectory is one of two developmental phenotypes. Alternatively, individuals can "escape" entry into diapause and develop continuously until hatching. The alternative phenotypes of A. limnaeus are a form of developmental plasticity that provides this species with a physiological adaption for surviving stressful environments. The developmental trajectory of an embryo is not distinguishable morphologically upon fertilization and phenotype is believed to be influenced by maternal provisioning within the egg based on observations of offspring phenotype production. However, incubation temperature may override any such maternal pattern suggesting an environmental influence on the regulation of developmental trajectory. We hypothesize that maternally packaged gene products coordinate the cellular events prior to the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MTZ) that determine developmental trajectory in embryos of A. limnaeus. In addition, we propose that environmentally responsive gene expression after the MTZ can sustain or override any such maternal provisioning. Using high-throughput RNA-sequencing, we have generated transcriptomic profiles of protein-coding messenger RNA and noncoding RNA during development in A. limnaeus. Embryos destined for either the diapause or escape phenotypes display unique expression profiles immediately upon fertilization that support hormone synthesis, well before the stage when phenotypes are morphologically distinct. At stages when the trajectories diverge from one another, differential expression of the vitamin D receptor signaling pathway suggests that vitamin D signaling may be a key regulator of developmental phenotype in this species. These data provide a critical link between maternal and environmental influences on the genetic regulation of phenotypic plasticity. These results will not only impact our understanding of the genetic mechanisms that regulate entrance into diapause, but also provide insight into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and development. Uncovering genetic mechanisms in a system exhibiting alternative developmental trajectories will elucidate the role of maternal packaging in regulating developmental decisions, and in sustaining metabolic depression during diapause. Title: Transcriptomic Regulation of Alternative Phenotypic Trajectories in Embryos of the Annual Killifish <i>Austrofundulus limnaeus</i> Author: Romney, Amie Lynn Thomas Year: 2017 The Annual Killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus, survives the seasonal drying of their pond habitat in the form of embryos entering diapause midway through development. The diapause trajectory is one of two developmental phenotypes. Alternatively, individuals can "escape" entry into diapause and develop continuously until hatching. The alternative phenotypes of A. limnaeus are a form of developmental plasticity that provides this species with a physiological adaption for surviving stressful environments. The developmental trajectory of an embryo is not distinguishable morphologically upon fertilization and phenotype is believed to be influenced by maternal provisioning within the egg based on observations of offspring phenotype production. However, incubation temperature may override any such maternal pattern suggesting an environmental influence on the regulation of developmental trajectory. We hypothesize that maternally packaged gene products coordinate the cellular events prior to the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MTZ) that determine developmental trajectory in embryos of A. limnaeus. In addition, we propose that environmentally responsive gene expression after the MTZ can sustain or override any such maternal provisioning. Using high-throughput RNA-sequencing, we have generated transcriptomic profiles of protein-coding messenger RNA and noncoding RNA during development in A. limnaeus. Embryos destined for either the diapause or escape phenotypes display unique expression profiles immediately upon fertilization that support hormone synthesis, well before the stage when phenotypes are morphologically distinct. At stages when the trajectories diverge from one another, differential expression of the vitamin D receptor signaling pathway suggests that vitamin D signaling may be a key regulator of developmental phenotype in this species. These data provide a critical link between maternal and environmental influences on the genetic regulation of phenotypic plasticity. These results will not only impact our understanding of the genetic mechanisms that regulate entrance into diapause, but also provide insight into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and development. Uncovering genetic mechanisms in a system exhibiting alternative developmental trajectories will elucidate the role of maternal packaging in regulating developmental decisions, and in sustaining metabolic depression during diapause. Close

• 4. [Article] ImpL2 Represses Insulin Signaling in Response to Hypoxia

  xiii, 56 p. : ill. (some col.)

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: ImpL2 Represses Insulin Signaling in Response to Hypoxia Author: Allee, John Paul, 1970- Year: 2011 xiii, 56 p. : ill. (some col.) Title: ImpL2 Represses Insulin Signaling in Response to Hypoxia Author: Allee, John Paul, 1970- Year: 2011 xiii, 56 p. : ill. (some col.) Close

• 5. [Article] The effect of plant growth regulators on the growth of Closterium moniliferum

  Physiologic responses to Gibberellic Acid (GA), I-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and Abscisic Acid (ABA). suggest that Oosterium monilfferum has the ability to utilize these plant ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effect of plant growth regulators on the growth of Closterium moniliferum Author: Christensen, Cynthia Lehua Warnock Year: 1990 Physiologic responses to Gibberellic Acid (GA), I-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and Abscisic Acid (ABA). suggest that Oosterium monilfferum has the ability to utilize these plant growth factors. The growth promoters NAA and GA both increased growth when added to the media. The cell division regulator BAP (a synthetic cytokinin). also had a promotive effect on growth. Abscisic acid was found to be inhibitive to growth. Title: The effect of plant growth regulators on the growth of Closterium moniliferum Author: Christensen, Cynthia Lehua Warnock Year: 1990 Physiologic responses to Gibberellic Acid (GA), I-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and Abscisic Acid (ABA). suggest that Oosterium monilfferum has the ability to utilize these plant growth factors. The growth promoters NAA and GA both increased growth when added to the media. The cell division regulator BAP (a synthetic cytokinin). also had a promotive effect on growth. Abscisic acid was found to be inhibitive to growth. Close

• 6. [Article] Robustness of a model microbial community emerges from population structure among single cells of a clonal population

  Microbial populations can withstand, overcome and persist in the face of environmental fluctuation. Previously, we demonstrated how conditional gene regulation in a fluctuating environment drives dilution ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Robustness of a model microbial community emerges from population structure among single cells of a clonal population Author: Thompson, Anne W., Turkarslan, Serdar, Arens, Christina E., de Lomana, Adrian Lopez Garcia, Raman, Arjun V., Stahl, David A., Baliga, Nitin S. Year: 2017 Microbial populations can withstand, overcome and persist in the face of environmental fluctuation. Previously, we demonstrated how conditional gene regulation in a fluctuating environment drives dilution of condition-specific transcripts, causing a population of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) to collapse after repeatedly transitioning from sulfate respiration to syntrophic conditions with the methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis. Failure of the DvH to successfully transition contributed to the collapse of this model community. We investigated the mechanistic basis for loss of robustness by examining whether conditional gene regulation altered heterogeneity in gene expression across individual DvH cells. We discovered that robustness of a microbial population across environmental transitions was attributable to the retention of cells in two states that exhibited different condition-specific gene expression patterns. In our experiments, a population with disrupted conditional regulation successfully alternated between cell states. Meanwhile, a population with intact conditional regulation successfully switched between cell states initially, but collapsed after repeated transitions, possibly due to the high energy requirements of regulation. These results demonstrate that the survival of this entire model microbial community is dependent on the regulatory system's influence on the distribution of distinct cell states among individual cells within a clonal population. Title: Robustness of a model microbial community emerges from population structure among single cells of a clonal population Author: Thompson, Anne W., Turkarslan, Serdar, Arens, Christina E., de Lomana, Adrian Lopez Garcia, Raman, Arjun V., Stahl, David A., Baliga, Nitin S. Year: 2017 Microbial populations can withstand, overcome and persist in the face of environmental fluctuation. Previously, we demonstrated how conditional gene regulation in a fluctuating environment drives dilution of condition-specific transcripts, causing a population of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) to collapse after repeatedly transitioning from sulfate respiration to syntrophic conditions with the methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis. Failure of the DvH to successfully transition contributed to the collapse of this model community. We investigated the mechanistic basis for loss of robustness by examining whether conditional gene regulation altered heterogeneity in gene expression across individual DvH cells. We discovered that robustness of a microbial population across environmental transitions was attributable to the retention of cells in two states that exhibited different condition-specific gene expression patterns. In our experiments, a population with disrupted conditional regulation successfully alternated between cell states. Meanwhile, a population with intact conditional regulation successfully switched between cell states initially, but collapsed after repeated transitions, possibly due to the high energy requirements of regulation. These results demonstrate that the survival of this entire model microbial community is dependent on the regulatory system's influence on the distribution of distinct cell states among individual cells within a clonal population. Close

• 7. [Article] Effects of dehydration on hemoglobin oxygen affinity and blood cell volume in two anurans

  Two aspects of possible adaptation In cardiovascular performance caused by Increased plasma electrolytes were examined. Cells In anisotonic plasma may either act as osmometers or volume regulate. Blood ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of dehydration on hemoglobin oxygen affinity and blood cell volume in two anurans Author: Zygmunt, Andrew Christopher Year: 1984 Two aspects of possible adaptation In cardiovascular performance caused by Increased plasma electrolytes were examined. Cells In anisotonic plasma may either act as osmometers or volume regulate. Blood flow rate Is dependent upon cell viscosity, which in turn is a consequence of cell volume and membrane deform-ability. Cell volume changes which Increase membrane deform-ability will thus potentially extend the limits of dehydration tolerance. It was found in R. catesbeiana and B. marinus that red blood cell Is maintain constant volume during dehydration. Cells in vitro Initially lose water, but then sodium, potassium and water move Into the cell. Cell viscosity within the physiologic range of hematocrits was higher In salt loaded non-regulating cell Is of B. marinus than In regulating isotonic cells. Title: Effects of dehydration on hemoglobin oxygen affinity and blood cell volume in two anurans Author: Zygmunt, Andrew Christopher Year: 1984 Two aspects of possible adaptation In cardiovascular performance caused by Increased plasma electrolytes were examined. Cells In anisotonic plasma may either act as osmometers or volume regulate. Blood flow rate Is dependent upon cell viscosity, which in turn is a consequence of cell volume and membrane deform-ability. Cell volume changes which Increase membrane deform-ability will thus potentially extend the limits of dehydration tolerance. It was found in R. catesbeiana and B. marinus that red blood cell Is maintain constant volume during dehydration. Cells in vitro Initially lose water, but then sodium, potassium and water move Into the cell. Cell viscosity within the physiologic range of hematocrits was higher In salt loaded non-regulating cell Is of B. marinus than In regulating isotonic cells. Close

• 8. [Article] Investigating the Origin and Functions of a Novel Small RNA in <i>Escherichia coli</i>

  Non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate various cellular processes in bacteria. They bind to a chaperone protein Hfq for stability and regulate gene expression by base-pairing with target mRNAs. Although ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigating the Origin and Functions of a Novel Small RNA in <i>Escherichia coli</i> Author: Kacharia, Fenil Rashmin Year: 2016 Non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate various cellular processes in bacteria. They bind to a chaperone protein Hfq for stability and regulate gene expression by base-pairing with target mRNAs. Although the importance of sRNAs in bacteria has been well established, the mode of origination of novel sRNA genes is still elusive, mainly because the rapid rate of evolution of sRNAs obscures their original sources. To overcome this impediment, we identified a recently formed sRNA (EcsR2) in E. coli, and show that it evolved from a degraded bacteriophage gene. Our analyses also revealed that young sRNAs such as EcsR2 are expressed at low levels and evolve at a rapid rate in comparison to older sRNAs, thereby uncovering a novel process that potentially facilitates newly emerging (and probably mildly deleterious) sRNAs to persist in bacterial genomes. We also show that even though EcsR2 is slightly deleterious to E. coli, it could bind to Hfq and mRNAs to regulate the expression of several genes. Interestingly, while EcsR2 expression is induced by glucose, the expression of its putative targets are regulated by the transcription factor CRP in response to glucose, indicating that EcsR2 has been incorporated into the carbon regulatory network in E. coli. Collectively, this work provides evidence for the emergence, evolution and functions of a novel "young" sRNA in bacteria. Title: Investigating the Origin and Functions of a Novel Small RNA in <i>Escherichia coli</i> Author: Kacharia, Fenil Rashmin Year: 2016 Non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate various cellular processes in bacteria. They bind to a chaperone protein Hfq for stability and regulate gene expression by base-pairing with target mRNAs. Although the importance of sRNAs in bacteria has been well established, the mode of origination of novel sRNA genes is still elusive, mainly because the rapid rate of evolution of sRNAs obscures their original sources. To overcome this impediment, we identified a recently formed sRNA (EcsR2) in E. coli, and show that it evolved from a degraded bacteriophage gene. Our analyses also revealed that young sRNAs such as EcsR2 are expressed at low levels and evolve at a rapid rate in comparison to older sRNAs, thereby uncovering a novel process that potentially facilitates newly emerging (and probably mildly deleterious) sRNAs to persist in bacterial genomes. We also show that even though EcsR2 is slightly deleterious to E. coli, it could bind to Hfq and mRNAs to regulate the expression of several genes. Interestingly, while EcsR2 expression is induced by glucose, the expression of its putative targets are regulated by the transcription factor CRP in response to glucose, indicating that EcsR2 has been incorporated into the carbon regulatory network in E. coli. Collectively, this work provides evidence for the emergence, evolution and functions of a novel "young" sRNA in bacteria. Close

• 9. [Article] Behavioral Temperature Regulation in the Turtle Pseudemys Scripta Elegans

  A group of red-eared turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) was acclimated to 18-20˚C and artificial photo-period for 21 days. The animals were then individually placed in a thermal gradient and their selected ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Behavioral Temperature Regulation in the Turtle Pseudemys Scripta Elegans Author: Johnston, Michael H. Year: 1977 A group of red-eared turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) was acclimated to 18-20˚C and artificial photo-period for 21 days. The animals were then individually placed in a thermal gradient and their selected temperatures were continuously recorded for 24 hours. A second group of turtles was acclimatized to 7.5-11.0˚C and natural photoperiods for 28 days, and subsequently tested in the same manner as the first group. Lastly, the turtles in the first group, after being acclimated to 3.0˚C and the previous artificial photoperiod for 14 days, were retested in the gradient. Title: Behavioral Temperature Regulation in the Turtle Pseudemys Scripta Elegans Author: Johnston, Michael H. Year: 1977 A group of red-eared turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) was acclimated to 18-20˚C and artificial photo-period for 21 days. The animals were then individually placed in a thermal gradient and their selected temperatures were continuously recorded for 24 hours. A second group of turtles was acclimatized to 7.5-11.0˚C and natural photoperiods for 28 days, and subsequently tested in the same manner as the first group. Lastly, the turtles in the first group, after being acclimated to 3.0˚C and the previous artificial photoperiod for 14 days, were retested in the gradient. Close

• 10. [Article] Neurobiology of Seasonal Life-history Transitions

  Many animals exhibit seasonal changes in life-history stages, and these seasonal transitions are often accompanied by dramatic switches in behavior. While the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate such ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Neurobiology of Seasonal Life-history Transitions Author: Lucas, Ashley Rae Year: 2015 Many animals exhibit seasonal changes in life-history stages, and these seasonal transitions are often accompanied by dramatic switches in behavior. While the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate such behavioral transitions are poorly understood, arginine vasotocin (AVT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are excellent candidates because they regulate reproductive and feeding behavior, respectively. In this study, I asked if seasonal changes in AVT and/or NPY are concomitant with spring migration away from the breeding grounds, as male and female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are transitioning from reproductive to non-reproductive behavior during this time. To address this question, I collected male and female snakes in different migratory stages during the spring and fall. Brains were processed for AVT and NPY immunohistochemistry and the total number of immunoreactive (-ir) cells quantified for each individual. As predicted, males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, brain regions important for courtship behavior, during the spring mating season compared to the fall. Females had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area during the spring compared to the fall and, surprisingly, did not exhibit seasonal changes in NPY. In contrast, males had significantly more NPY-ir cells in the cortex, a region important for spatial memory, and in the posterior hypothalamus during the fall compared to the spring, which likely reflects increased feeding behavior during the summer foraging period. Neither AVT- nor NPY-ir cell number varied significantly with migratory status, indicating that seasonal changes in these neuropeptides are not directly related to migration. I then asked if the observed seasonal changes in AVT and NPY in males and females are related to the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive states. Compared to courting males, non-courting males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the supraoptic nucleus and more NPY-ir cells in the cortex. AVT- and NPY-ir cells did not differ between unmated and mated females. Collectively, my results suggest that AVT and NPY play a role in regulating seasonal transitions in male reproductive behavior, rather than regulating migration per se. Further, these data indicate that both AVT and NPY are regulating reproductive behavior differently in males versus females. These data provide the framework for future studies examining the mechanisms regulating transitions between reproductive, migratory and foraging behaviors. Title: Neurobiology of Seasonal Life-history Transitions Author: Lucas, Ashley Rae Year: 2015 Many animals exhibit seasonal changes in life-history stages, and these seasonal transitions are often accompanied by dramatic switches in behavior. While the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate such behavioral transitions are poorly understood, arginine vasotocin (AVT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are excellent candidates because they regulate reproductive and feeding behavior, respectively. In this study, I asked if seasonal changes in AVT and/or NPY are concomitant with spring migration away from the breeding grounds, as male and female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) are transitioning from reproductive to non-reproductive behavior during this time. To address this question, I collected male and female snakes in different migratory stages during the spring and fall. Brains were processed for AVT and NPY immunohistochemistry and the total number of immunoreactive (-ir) cells quantified for each individual. As predicted, males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, brain regions important for courtship behavior, during the spring mating season compared to the fall. Females had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the preoptic area during the spring compared to the fall and, surprisingly, did not exhibit seasonal changes in NPY. In contrast, males had significantly more NPY-ir cells in the cortex, a region important for spatial memory, and in the posterior hypothalamus during the fall compared to the spring, which likely reflects increased feeding behavior during the summer foraging period. Neither AVT- nor NPY-ir cell number varied significantly with migratory status, indicating that seasonal changes in these neuropeptides are not directly related to migration. I then asked if the observed seasonal changes in AVT and NPY in males and females are related to the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive states. Compared to courting males, non-courting males had significantly more AVT-ir cells in the supraoptic nucleus and more NPY-ir cells in the cortex. AVT- and NPY-ir cells did not differ between unmated and mated females. Collectively, my results suggest that AVT and NPY play a role in regulating seasonal transitions in male reproductive behavior, rather than regulating migration per se. Further, these data indicate that both AVT and NPY are regulating reproductive behavior differently in males versus females. These data provide the framework for future studies examining the mechanisms regulating transitions between reproductive, migratory and foraging behaviors. Close