Examining mechanosensory mechanisms in the context of genetic, environmental, and evolutionary variation
Supervisors:
Dr Kevin Parsons, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Prof Massimo Vassalli, James Watt School of Engineering
Summary:
"How organisms respond to changing environmental conditions is of pressing concern. While whole organism responses have been well studied there is currently a knowledge gap at the cellular level. This prevents us from making informed predictions for populations in response to environmental change, and an understanding of the mechanisms of plastic responses. Therefore, this project will aim to close this gap by examining whole organisms, tissues, and
cells in response to temperature and mechanical stimulation. This will leverage natural populations of stickleback from Iceland which have adapted to geothermally-warmed conditions. These populations possess differences in ecology reflected in morphology, behaviour, and physiology. The project will use these adaptations to understand how environmental responses contribute. Specifically the student will establish cell lines from these populations and perform tests of their response to mechanical stimulation under different temperature conditions. This will also occur in vivo to determine how these different levels reflect each other. Cutting-edge techniques will be used including biomechanical stress assays, molecular biology, and functional tests. The student will benefit from labs fully outfitted for this work, and fish holding facilities. They will also join a group of peers with regular meetings and discussions in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere."