Peptide Synthesis is Underway!

Mar 05, 2022

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Peptide Synthesis is Underway!We have just completed our first peptide that will be tested on a new batch of mature adults. This is a short peptide, that through some literature review, has been linked to gastropod spawning! Hopefully, this peptide will act on the same signaling chains in 'opihi as it does in other gastropod mollusks. Once we clean this peptide up through our purification methods, we will be able to test it on adult 'opihi.
We will be making a couple more peptides to test alongside this one to ensure that we identify the best to increase spawning. Hoping to share images of little baby 'opihi soon!
 
Reaction vessel containing our peptide

JenniaLopez, Diana Fatima Castillo Sandoval, and 3 others like this.

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Cindy WuBacker

Wahooooo!

Mar 14, 20220

About This Project

Improving Hawaii's endemic limpet population through novel biochemical techniques

Univeristy of Hawaii at Manoa

'Opihi are a culturally important marine limpet found only within the Hawaiian Islands. Considered a delicacy, this limpet is favored among many and can be found at luaus and some seafood markets across the islands. Due to their popularity and high market price, populations of 'opihi have become over-harvested. To minimize harvesting pressures, we aim to use novel biochemical techniques to improve laboratory-based rearing and prevent the loss of this organism.