PRR Project

Summary

CCMAR is a marine science research centre which follows three strategically research lines: (1)  drivers, responses and tipping points in changing environments , (2)  management and conservation of marine resources  and (3)  unlocking the potential of marine resources . Within the context of this research lines, CCMAR has devoted in the last 10 years special attention to the neuronal/physiological impacts of climate changes (ocean acidification and warming) on marine teleosts and elasmobranchs. The research behind this application involves maintenance and handling of Teleosts and Elasmobranchs in conditions that simulate the future predicted ocean acidification and warming conditions. Fish relay mainly on olfaction to most of their vital activities, for instance, reproduction, detecting predators and preys, and environment recognition. Taking in account the vital importance of olfaction for fish survival, this study will target effects on the neuronal system giving special attention to olfactory perception and integration. This work will contribute to the understanding of how marine animals will withdraw with the ongoing climate changes and predict the effects of it in marine biodiversity and ecosystems stability. For that, animals will be kept in conditions that simulate the future ocean conditions (pH and temperature). Changes in olfactory sensitivity will be assessed by in vivo electrophysiology (electro-olfactogram, electroencephalogram and multiunit nerve recording). Physiological adaptation to environmental conditions may requires changes at the level of gene expression. Differential gene expression will be assessed in the brain and olfactory epithelium of animals kept in different conditions. In additions, immuno-histological studies will be carried to evaluate putative tissues alterations in response to climate changes driven environmental alterations. Additionally, previous work in Teleosts showed the occurrence of serious immune changes in the olfactory epithelium and brain, of fish exposed to the environmental conditions predicted for the end of the century. The consequences of these changes on fish health and survival will be assessed. The resistance of the main marine species exploited for human consumption when exposed to climate change and to potentially pathogenic viruses for terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates will be study. In parallel with this, the candidate will have to ensure the continuity of other studies already underway, such as isolation and identification of olfactory feeding stimuli, for the development of species-specific food pellets for aquaculture and the isolation of attractive compounds for the development of artificial fishing bait, to conform the current problems of the high price of bait and the environmental impact caused by capturing it. In addition, the candidate will have to contribute to other CCMAR core missions by attempting, participation and organizing actions of scientific dissemination, contributing to education activities by training graduated and ungraduated students and organizing workshops and post-graduation curses. Contribute to internationalization by establishing international collaborations, hosting international students and attending international meetings. Pursue collaborations with companies namely for projects which will bring new products, such as artificial fishing bait or related to immune stimuli targeting the olfactory system. Finally, the candidate should work to establish an electrophysiology service platform in CCMAR offering equipment and knowhow for intra and extracellular recordings, this will grow CCMARs reputation and provide a service that few infrastructures are able to offer and will create opportunities for international collaborations. Profile The selected candidate will assure proper animals’ maintenance and handle, implementation, maintenance and monitorization of the setups for ocean acidification and warming simulation. Thus, previous experience in climate changes field is mandatory. Successful candidates must have previous experience and permission to handle Teleosts and Elasmobranchs. Knowledge and practical experience on in vivo electrophysiological recording in fish (electro-olfactogram, electroencephalogram and multiunit nerve recording), molecular biology and immuno-histochemistry is mandatory. Once that most fish olfactory receptor protein are orphan, to better understand mechanisms involved in olfaction and how climate changes can interact with this receptors, selected receptor will be deorphanized. For that, neuronal cell lines will be transfected with the target olfactory receptors, and the affinity of the receptors for putative odorants will be assessed by intracellular recording (patch clamp and sharp electrodes). Thus, preference will be given to candidates with experience in cell culture and microelectrodes techniques.