Trent University Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory

Bradley N. White, Ph.D.

Phone:748-1011 Ext.5346
brad.white@nrdpfc.ca

Human and conservation genetics and forensic science

My overall interest concerns the organization, regulation and evolution of the eukaryotic genome. The biological systems that we use in the laboratory range from human diseases such as autism fleas
and to the use of DNA markers for the study of natural populations, especially endangered species.

We are using DNA markers to understand the genetic basis of autism in collaboration with Dr. Jeanette Holden in the Department of Psychiatry at Queen's University. We are analyzing families with two affected children using both microsatellite markers and genetic variation at candidate genes.

We are using a variety of DNA markers to study the genetics and reproductive behaviour in natural populations. Microsatellite markers and other hypervariable genetic markers are being used to study reproductive strategies and population structure in a number of avian species.

The North Atlantic Right Whale numbers only about 300 individuals and is not recovering as expected despite international protection. We are using DNA markers to investigate whether low genetic variability and inbreeding are a contributing factor to the problem. We also use similar DNA markers to help in the enforcement of wildlife statutes in Canada.

Recent Papers

Brennin, R., M. Friesen, L. Postma, J. Clayton and B.N. White. Population genetic structure of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas): Mitochondrial sequence variation within and among North American populations. Can. J. Zool. 75: 795-802 (1997).

Patenaude, N. and B.N. White. Skin biopsy sampling of Beluga carcasses: Assessment of biopsy darting factors for minimal wounding and effective retrieval on Beluga whales. Marine Mammal Science 11: 163-171 (1995).

Murray, B., S. Malik and B.N. White. Sequence variation of the major histocompatibility locus DQ in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). Mol. Biol. and Evol. 12: 582-597 (1995).

Guglich, E.A., P. Wilson and B.N. White. Application of DNA fingerprinting to enforcement of hunting regulations in Ontario. J. Forensic Science 38: 48-59 (1993).

Brock, K.M. and B.N. White. Application of DNA fingerprinting to the recovery program of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 89: 11121-11125 (1992).