Domynick Maltais

Current research and/or projects

Our research involves evaluating the effect of contaminants on the health of marine organisms, with a particular focus on the endocrine system of aquatic organisms of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf. Recent work has involved studies of the recruitment problems encountered by an endangered species, the copper redhorse, a freshwater fish unique to Quebec. As a biochemist, I validate and use many molecular and biochemical biomarkers, such as the sex steroids (estradiol, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone), thyroid hormone, the stress hormone cortisol, the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase and aromatase to evaluate the biological effects of contaminants, and as indicators of exposure to environmental pollutants. I have developed and adapted immunoassays to detect vitellogenin, a biomarker of exposure to estrogenic compounds, for several species of fish, including copper redhorse, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, wolffish, sticklebacks and smooth flounder. These biomarkers have also been applied to studies of the maturation, reproduction and stress response of cultured fish.

Education and awards

M. Sc. Biochemistry (2001) Université du Québec à Montréal

B. Sc. Biochemistry (1998) Université du Québec à Montréal