How do molluscs build their shells? Deciphering calcium transport mechanisms in shellfish biomineralisation using genome-editing

Marine invertebrates have answered the most fundamental questions in biology. Jellyfish provided the first fluorescent protein, the giant axons of squid taught us nerve signalling is electrical and sea urchins untangled gene regulatory networks controlling early animal development. Biological research benefits from diversity however, current major models include just three species: fly, mouse and zebrafish.

This project seeks to develop CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome-editing protocols in a novel shellfish model to answer a fundamental question on calcium transport in biomineralisation.

Recent studies have successfully demonstrated CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome-editing in three mollusc species [1-3]. Using these protocols as a starting-point, you will target candidate calcium transport genes for systematic knock-out in order to resolve a controversial debate in shellfish biomineral production: is calcium transported to the shell through cells (transcellular) or, in-between cells (paracellular)?

This studentship is targeted at a method development skillset that is highly desirable in industry and academia alike. The tool you will develop - CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome-editing in shellfish - is desirable to aquaculture and biotechnology as it will facilitate the production of genetically modified (GM) animals with enhanced desirable traits (faster more efficient growth, disease resistance, stronger shells). In the USA AquaBounty's human consumption approved transgenic salmon can reach market size in 16 months (versus 3 years for wild-type). The production of GM salmon was facilitated by a wealth of research and technologies from non-aquaculture model species (zebrafish) and, to bring this technology to aquaculture shellfish species, a genetically-enabled model system must be developed for molluscs.

The research question you will tackle focusses on calcium transport. Using CRISPR-Cas9 you will systematically disrupt transcellular and paracellular calcium transport in addition to available calcium in the growth medium to test the origin and transport mechanism used in molluscan calcification. You will resolve weather calcium is transported to the shell through cells (transcellular), in-between cells (paracellular) or, if there is not active organismal transport of calcium, and instead calcium is available in high enough concentrations in seawater to precipitate passively.

Owing to the relevance to aquaculture and biotechnology (via the tool development), as well as wider fields such as invasive species remediation (Crepidula fornicata is invasive and damaging in the UK, CRISPR-Cas9 could be used to develop gene-drive remediation technology) there is scope to direct your research to more applied avenues. In order to aid exploration into the wider applications of your tools and knowledge, you will work with an industrial CASE partner - Mikota Ltd. You will join the Sleight Lab (http://sleightlab.com/) at the University of Aberdeen, a supportive environment where curiosity is encouraged and nurtured. You will receive rigorous training in bioinformatics, molecular biology, animal culture and embryology (including microinjection). In addition, you will be supported to apply for international summer schools for advanced training (such as the world-famous Embryology Course at the Marine Biology Laboratory USA), and attend international conferences to present your research. You will publish your findings in leading research journals and graduate with a track-record apt for a career in academia, industry or wider fields.