Candidates for these 2 PhD projects at University of Ferrara:
1) BDNFISH: Analysis of functions and molecular mechanisms of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in a zebrafISH mutant model.
Supervisors: Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato, Cristiano Bertolucci
Collaborations: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in Naples
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein with a key role in neuronal differentiation, survival, and growth, as well as in the molecular mechanisms underlying learning such as synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter release. Applying the CRISPR/cas9 technology in zebrafish, we generated the first vital bdnf homozygous mutant in a vertebrate (D’Agostino et al., iScience, 2022, 25:104054).
The PhD candidate will study the zebrafish bdnf-/- model with a multidisciplinary approach from genes to behaviour to analyse in vivo the role of BDNF:
1) in learning and memory deficits;
2) in stress responses and anxiety-like behaviour;
3) in neuronal and developmental plasticity of brain areas connected to cognitive control;
4) in retinal development and light perception;
5) in the behavioural synchronisation to day/night alternation (sleep and activity rhythmicity).
Moreover, the PhD candidate will implement in vitro models of mutant zebrafish tissues consisting in cellular lines and organotypic cultures to investigate in detail the molecular pathways of BDNF and conduct neuropharmacological assays.
During the BDNFISH project, the PhD candidate will be trained to apply state-of-the-art assays for behaviour (e.g., tests for learning, memory, executive functions, anxiety, and circadian rhythmicity), neurobiological (e.g., neuronal plasticity and survival), molecular (e.g., analysis of gene expression), and cellular research (e.g., histology, ISH and immunohistochemistry).
2) Is human well-being enhanced by exposure to high levels of biodiversity?
Supervisors: Giorgio Bertorelle, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
Collaborations: University of Sheffield
2) in stress responses and anxiety-like behaviour;
3) in neuronal and developmental plasticity of brain areas connected to cognitive control;
4) in retinal development and light perception;
5) in the behavioural synchronisation to day/night alternation (sleep and activity rhythmicity).
Moreover, the PhD candidate will implement in vitro models of mutant zebrafish tissues consisting in cellular lines and organotypic cultures to investigate in detail the molecular pathways of BDNF and conduct neuropharmacological assays.
During the BDNFISH project, the PhD candidate will be trained to apply state-of-the-art assays for behaviour (e.g., tests for learning, memory, executive functions, anxiety, and circadian rhythmicity), neurobiological (e.g., neuronal plasticity and survival), molecular (e.g., analysis of gene expression), and cellular research (e.g., histology, ISH and immunohistochemistry).
2) Is human well-being enhanced by exposure to high levels of biodiversity?
Supervisors: Giorgio Bertorelle, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
Collaborations: University of Sheffield
Climate change is modifying levels and patterns of biodiversity. In particular, increased temperatures, modifications in physical-chemical parameters, and extreme meteorological events, produce either extinction, migration, or adaptation in many animal and plant species. Recent studies suggest that biodiversity plays an important role not only in ecosystems stability and services, but it may also produce psychological benefits to humans. Human well-being is enhanced by exposure to nature, but it is not well understood if this effect is higher in more biodiverse natural or urban habitats (e.g., areas with higher species richness).
The main goal of the proposed project is to investigate the possible benefits in terms of psychological well-being produced by more biodiverse habitats, including wild environments and urban parks. This is clearly a fundamental topic, which will allow us to understand i) if biodiversity losses related to climate change is affecting human health by reducing the positive feedbacks generated by exposure to nature; ii) if humans have an evolutionary innate preference for more biodiverse habitats, and if this preference is shared with other vertebrates; and iii) if patterns of gene expression are different in settings with homogenous or biodiverse conditions
We will investigate using public surveys the “feel-good factor” as a function of biodiversity levels in different environmental contexts. The possible evolutionary explanation that may justify the preference for more biodiverse habitat will be experimentally tested using animal models. In particular, fish models will be analyzed in choice experiments (biodiverse versus homogeneous settings), and the relationship between polymorphisms in the preference traits and its genetic determinants will be analyzed using genomic and transcriptomic data.
START: Autumn 2022
The main goal of the proposed project is to investigate the possible benefits in terms of psychological well-being produced by more biodiverse habitats, including wild environments and urban parks. This is clearly a fundamental topic, which will allow us to understand i) if biodiversity losses related to climate change is affecting human health by reducing the positive feedbacks generated by exposure to nature; ii) if humans have an evolutionary innate preference for more biodiverse habitats, and if this preference is shared with other vertebrates; and iii) if patterns of gene expression are different in settings with homogenous or biodiverse conditions
We will investigate using public surveys the “feel-good factor” as a function of biodiversity levels in different environmental contexts. The possible evolutionary explanation that may justify the preference for more biodiverse habitat will be experimentally tested using animal models. In particular, fish models will be analyzed in choice experiments (biodiverse versus homogeneous settings), and the relationship between polymorphisms in the preference traits and its genetic determinants will be analyzed using genomic and transcriptomic data.
START: Autumn 2022
DEADLINE: 25 July 2022
For information on how to apply please contact me: tyrone.luconxiccato@unife.it