In fish, data on the crosstalk between disease-epigenetic-phenotype is almost non-existent. Current data in the team have shown that immune stimulation during early stages of development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) were able to alter the methylation of genes related to the immune system and differences between ovarian and testicular methylation pattern were observed. Further, it was also observed that in specific conditions, the activation of the immune system during sex differentiation was able to increase the number of females. However, the epigenetic consequences that these temporary infections can cause to fish in adulthood are not known. The main aim of the present master project is to study the interactions between the immune and reproduction systems from an epigenetic perspective, a field barely explored. This project will further study if environmental challenges (e.g., infections, temperature and even gravity) where animals are reared have an influence of the epigenome and so affect the final phenotype. The project will be based on identifying novel molecular markers. Thus, it will be developed by using genomic technologies (e.g., DNA/RNA sequencing and metabolomics) together with traditional methods (e.g., cell cultures). A better comprehension of the immune-reproduction systems from a molecular point of view will help to develop biomolecular markers that will contribute to improve breeding programs that can help the increase of aquaculture productivity.
Termini per aplicar: 01/10/2022
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