Using transgenic reporter zebrafish and biomechanical modelling to understand the causes of vertebral malformations

Farmed fish have a very high incidence of skeletal malformations, estimated between 40-65% of all farmed fish. These malformations have implications for the welfare of the fish, but also economically. Surprisingly, little is currently known about the molecular events that lead to skeletal malformations, partially due to a lack of tools allowing the skeletal system to be observed over time, but we predict that, as in humans, a combination of genetics and biomechanical factors are likely to underlie the pathology.
We have put together an interdisciplinary team to tackle this issue using a novel set of tools. Zebrafish have been used extensively as an animal model for developmental and genetic studies, and are increasingly used to give insight into human skeletal disorders. Surprisingly, however, there have been few studies using them as a model for questions relating to other fish species.
We plan to use the dynamic imaging and genetic tools available in zebrafish to begin to probe what underpins the frequent skeletal defects seen in farmed fish like salmon and trout. The project will be co-ordinated between host labs with complementary expertise in genetics and live imaging, and computational biomechanical modelling. The project will give training in cutting edge imaging techniques including microCT, second harmonic generation using multiphoton microscopy, live confocal imaging of transgenic reporter zebrafish. The interdisciplinary nature of the PhD will give the student a highly desirable skill set applicable to a career in many fields. There may also be the opportunity to spend time at Nofima in Norway during the project.

To apply for a SWBio DTP project at the University of Bristol, you need to choose: Faculty of Biomedical Sciences under the ’Faculty’ section, and South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (PhD) under the ’programme choice’ section. Additionally under the ’Research Details’ section, please indicate that you are applying for a SWBio DTP funded project and give the project title and names of supervisors. For eligibility information: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/swbio/apply/eligibility.html