Katedra zoologie

Přírodovědecká fakulta Jihočeské univerzity

Úvodní stránka Aktuality Volná místa Brunoy, France: PhD, epigenetics in lemurs
Brunoy, France: PhD, epigenetics in lemurs PDF Tisk Email

PhD scholarship opportunity

Subject title: "Epigenetic inheritance of physiological flexibility in a
primate species, the grey mouse lemur"

Location: UMR CNRS/MNHN 7179 (MECADEV)   1 avenue du petit château, 91800
Brunoy (France)

Main PhD supervisor: Dr Fabienne Aujard
Secondary PhD supervisors: Drs Pierre-Yves Henry and Jérémy Terrien

The French research unit UMR 7179 is offering an opportunity to defend a PhD
scholarship to be attributed by the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle.
The applicant will defend a subject treating on the "Epigenetic inheritance
of physiological flexibility in a primate species, the grey mouse lemur". 
Briefly, exhibiting high phenotypic flexibility requires fine tuning of all
mechanisms involved in the control of metabolism, including regulation of
gene expression through epigenetic changes. Epigenetic modifications are a
mechanism of regulating gene expression that is reversible, heritable and
particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. The role of epigenetic
modifications as a way of adjusting phenotypic flexibility in response to
environmental change has gained much interest since epigenetic inheritance
has been described as a potential mechanism for a specimen to benefit from
its parents history. 

In this project, we propose to evaluate the potential of epigenetic
inheritance in a primate species, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus),
characterized by its great phenotypic flexibility adapted to the
unpredictability of Madagascar climate. Using the in-house breeding colony
resource (~400 individuals), we will mimic periods of food scarcity during
key periods of reproduction (spermatogenesis for males and gestation,
lactation for females) and evaluate the impacts of such treatment in
juveniles and their ability to respond to the same energetic challenge.
The student will have to conduct experiments to answer 2 main questions:
1) Which are the epigenetic modifications induced by an energetic
   challenge in the adult grey mouse lemur, and can we link these
   changes to metabolic phenotyping characteristics?
2) Can we estimate the epigenetic inheritance in such context, and
   evaluate the potential of parental history on juvenile physiological
   capacities?

Applicants must be highly motivated and have a strong interest in our
scientific area (for more information, please visit our website at
http://www.mecadev.cnrs.fr/). A strong background of basic molecular
research methodology (knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms would be highly
appreciated) is highly recommended. Given the scope of this subject, a good
background in physiology and biology of adaptation would be appreciated. 
Applications should contain a CV, a short statement of your research
interests as well as a recommendation letter. Please send your application
to  Tato emailová adresa je chráněna před spamboty, abyste ji viděli, povolte JavaScript  before May 20, 2015.

 
 
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