The life span of the Greenland shark is at least 272 years and may be as long as 500 years making this animal the longest living vertebrate on the planet1. It was one of the lesser-known species of sharks up until 2016 when its extreme longevity was revealed. The finding that they live in the deep, dark Arctic waters for hundreds of years has captured the imagination of the world and the attention of scientists. How does an animal born in Shakespeare’s time still patrol the deep sea today? This extreme longevity is particularly interesting with respect to the heart, because heart disease is synonymous with aging in humans2. What structures do their hearts have that permit this extreme longevity? Does the heart underlie the ability of this shark to live so long?
This PhD will focus on metabolic mechanisms that promote longevity in the Greenland shark heart. Specifically, we will assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and resistance, antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial biology of the of the Greenland shark heart and its impact on DNA damage and repair3 within the context of extreme longevity. The investigation has a 3-pronged approach. The student will assess (1) mitochondrial morphology and dynamics using high-resolution microscopy 3D EM tomography, (2) ROS production and mitochondrial aerobic capacity using microrespirometry, and (3) DNA damage and repair mechanisms using the CometChip assay platform4 alongside more traditional molecular biology and immunohistochemical approaches. Most of the work will be conducted in Manchester University on tissue preserved from previous research expeditions. However, the microrespirometry work will be conducted in an Arctic marine station where the student will join an international expedition and conduct research in the field. Upon completion the student will have employed cross cutting investigative methods associated with mitochondrial metabolism combined with more conventional approaches of enzyme activity, and protein and gene expression analysis, understand the role of ROS in extreme longevity in the heart of the longest living vertebrate on the planet.
http://shiels.lab.manchester.ac.uk/
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/gina.galli.html
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/holly.shiels.html
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website www.manchester.ac.uk/bbsrcdtpstudentships
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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