One defining character of mammals is their ability to produce milk in order to feed their young. During mammalian evolution, this required changes to the mammary glands but also to the craniofacial complex. Suckling requires the tongue to create a seal anteriorly between the teat and the hard palate, and more posteriorly against the soft palate. The soft palate stretches between a structure known as a the pterygoid hamulus, which provides anchorage for the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle. This connection is essential for control of the soft palate musculature and therefore for suckling. In this project we investigate how the muscles and bones of the palate interact during development using the mouse as a model. We will then compare the muscle-skeletal interactions in the forming palate in mammals that suckle from a teat (placentals and marsupials) with those that do not (egg laying mammals). Finally, we will map the dynamic changes in the palate and pterygoid region during mammalian evolution, using high resolution scans from fossils of early mammal-like reptiles. The project takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining knowledge from developmental biology, palaeontology, and computational modelling, and benefits from access to rare specimens, to address important questions about mammalian evolution, while providing new understanding about how force directs tissue development.
Research training:
The student will get training in science skills including:
- Developmental biology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Animal handling (including a Home Office training and a personal licence)
- Transgenic mice colony management
- Microsurgery and experimental embryology (eg. explanation and culture)
- Imaging: including confocal and microCT
- Quantitative image analysis and computer vision (including ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris and Volocity, as well as opportunities for macro coding and/or MATLAB programming)
- Finite Element modelling
- Quantitative analysis and statistical methods
- Writing skill: the student will participate and contribute to writing of a publishable review in the area of the project
- Public engagament and outreach
Person specification:
- BSc in relevant subject: 2.1 or 1st (essential)
- MSc in relevant subject (desirable)
- Interest in evolution and developmental biology
- Experience of research project in lab or computational
Stipend and/or bench fees (amount): Stipend: UKRI rate - £19,668 per annum (2022/23). Tuition fees: Yes.
Duration of award/project: 3 years.
Eligibility: Home
Mode of study: Full time.
For more information please visit the project page: Evolution of suckling: bone muscle interactions to create a novel structure in mammals | Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences | King’s College London (kcl.ac.uk)
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