Identification of epistatic (gene-interaction) quantitative trait loci associated with naturally evolved thermal adaptation in three-spined stickleback fish (Ga
Supervisors
Dr Barbarah Shih, Lancaster University
Prof Kevin Parsons, University of Glasgow
Dr Alexandre Benedetto, Lancaster University
Summary
Climate change is leading to warming waters, and increased incidences of mass die-offs are seen in both wild and farmed fish during marine heatwaves. There is a pressing need to better understand the genetics that allows fish to withstand higher temperatures, which will help us improve fish breeding and conservation.
Stickleback fish can be found in warm (near geothermal activity) and adjacent cool waters. Consistent alteration in physical attributes has been seen alongside thermal-adaptations across different geographical regions. Using stickleback fish naturally adapted to warm and cool habitats as founders, we have bred 2 generations of offspring and measured their genetic makeup and physical attributes (~900 fish). This allows us to investigate the relationships between fish morphology and genetic variations. This project will aim to investigate gene-interaction effects (epistasis) that correspond to physical traits associated with thermal adaptation.
You will be trained in gene variant analysis, as well as in vivo experimental validation of your bioinformatics findings using CRISPR. These are highly desirable skills for quantitative geneticist jobs in agriculture, animal breeding, and conservation. Furthermore, you will be equipped with transferable skills in programming (machine learning, image processing, software development), communication, leadership, and time management.