Jordan Brillhart | 2026 I.S. Symposium
Name: Jordan Brillhart
Title: Impact of Urban TWP Contamination on CYP1A Expression in Endangered Redside Dace Populations in Canada and the United States
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Advisor: Rebecca Williams
Freshwater ecosystems contribute significantly to global biodiversity, yet they are among the most threatened ecosystems due to increasing human activity. Urbanization introduces pollutants into aquatic systems through storm runoff, roadways, and other sources of contamination. These contaminants can accumulate in freshwater environments and negatively affect aquatic organisms. One species that may be especially vulnerable is the Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus), a small freshwater fish that has experienced population declines in Canada. Because this minnow relies on clean, well-oxygenated streams, it may be particularly sensitive to environmental changes associated with urbanization. This project examines the potential impact of pollution associated with tire wear particles, specifically 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-q), on Redside Dace populations. Tire wear particles are produced as vehicles travel on roadways, and chemical additives within these particles can be transported into nearby waterways through runoff. Previous studies have shown that 6PPD-q can be highly toxic to some fish species, raising concerns about its effects on other freshwater organisms. Surface water samples were collected from streams in northeastern Ohio and sites in Ontario, Canada, where Redside Dace populations have been documented. Water samples were analyzed for 6PPD-q using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Laboratory analyses were also performed to evaluate the expression of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), a biomarker of chemical exposure in fish, using protein extraction, Bradford assays, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot analysis. By combining environmental sampling with molecular analysis, this research aims to improve understanding of how urban pollutants may influence endangered freshwater species and inform conservation efforts for Redside Dace.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
