Expression and function of homeobox genes during regeneration in cephalochordates

Cephalochordates ("amphioxus" or "lancelet") are an ideal model for studying developmental and regenerative processes (Bertrand and Escriva 2011; Somorjai et al 2012). Although amphioxus is an invertebrate, it is a chordate; as such, it shares many morphological features with vertebrates, including a notochord, a dorsal neural tube, and segmented musculature. However, it is much simpler anatomically and genomically, with many fewer cell types and a much reduced gene complement. Unlike most vertebrates however, including humans, amphioxus regenerates extremely well (Somorjai 2017). We still know little about the mechanisms governing regenerative ability in amphioxus, but understanding how an animal like amphioxus regenerates major structures like the tail could give important clues to improving regeneration in poorly regenerating species (like us!).

My lab has identified candidate genes with putative roles during regeneration in an adult amphioxus regenerate transcriptome, including a number of homeobox genes. Homeobox genes, such as the Hox or Paired families, play important roles in patterning and cell fate decisions.

In this project, you will use bioinformatics, molecular biology including gene cloning and in situ hybridisation, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, lineage tracing, confocal microscopy and histology to study amphioxus regenerate patterning. Specific objectives could include:

1. Characterisation of homeobox transcription factor expression in unamputated and regenerating animals.
2. Characterisation of lineages expressing specific homeobox genes using labelling techniques (eg nerve cord, muscle, notochord)
3. Use of functional techniques to disrupt tail regeneration and assessment of changes in cell fate
The ideal candidate will have experience with some of all of the techniques required for the project; however, training will be provided. Possession of a Masters degree in a relevant biological field is desirable. Alongside laboratory skills, the PhD candidate will gain experience in animal husbandry, article writing for publication, presentation skills, statistics and quantification, and will be able take advantage of a number of postgraduate courses offered by the University of St Andrews through CAPOD.

Please send informal enquiries to Dr Ildiko Somorjai: [Email Address Removed]

Lab webpage: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/profile/imls