The activation of the anterior GRN by Wnt-signaling

PR: [Gregor Bucher]
PhD: tba

We have shown that Wnt signaling is essential for insect axis formation but the mechanism is poorly understood. You will determine the dynamics of the Wnt gradient by establishing a transgenic Wnt-reporter and by using single-molecule-imaging. Using ATACseq and transcriptomics you identify Wnt enhancers and reconstruct the GRNs of head versus tail. Emerging hypotheses are tested by RNAi and hybridization-chain-reaction.

Micro-evolutionary divergence of the anterior GRN

PR: [Gregor Bucher]
PhD: tba

The principles of GRN evolution remain enigmatic. To improve our understanding, you will study diversified beetle GRNs. You will study the effect of quantitatively reduced gene function in different strains and species. Bioinformatics analyses of transcriptomics will reveal the diverged connectivity. You will develop a transgenic tool for the spatial restriction of RNAi based on our success with temporal restriction.

3D genome structure dynamics during T. castaneum axis formation

PR: [Marieke Oudelaar]
PhD: tba

The 3D organization of the genome plays a key role in the establishment of specific gene expression patterns during development. However, it remains unclear how organizational principles have evolved and infuence gene activity. This project aims to characterize principles of genome organization in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and their role in modulating the regulation of genes involved in Wnt signalling.

The role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway during regeneration in Syllidae

PR: [Maite Aguado]
PhD: tba

This project investigates anterior and posterior regeneration in syllid annelids, focusing on Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. It aims to determine regional and temporal gene expression patterns during homeostasis and regeneration, assess their roles in neural differentiation of the anterior nervous system, and explore why some species can regenerate complete anterior structures while closely related species cannot.

Evolution of the gene regulatory networks underlying the development of morphological novelties in a darkling beetle

PR: [Nico Posnien]
PhD: tba

This project will identify the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and cellular processes underlying post-embryonic development of exaggerated head horns in the darkling beetle Gnatocerus cornutus. We will compare "horn" (G. cornutus males) versus "no-horn" phenotypes (G. cornutus females and Tribolium castaneum males) using developmental single-cell omics (snRNA-seq, scATAC-seq) and nano-CT imaging. Candidate genes will be functionally tested using RNA interference and fluorescent in situ hybrididazion (HCR). We will test the hypothesis that the embryonic anterior GRN is re-deployed to form novel adult head structures.

Quantitative imaging of the Wnt switch in Clytia hemisphaerica embryos at single cell resolution

PR: [Peter Lenart]
PhD: tba

In this project, we will use the cnidarian jellyfish Clytia hemisphaerica to identify conserved molecular mechanisms of embryo axis determination through Wnt-signaling. This is particularly exciting, as cnidarians are at the base of metazoan phylogeny and serve as an outgroup to the Bilateria. Taking advantage of transparent embryos, we will use single-cell RNA-seq, WMISH and live-cell imaging to address these questions.

Head/tail axis specification in planarians

PR: [Jochen Rink]
PhD: tba

This project investigates the molecular mechanisms guiding head versus tail regeneration in planarian flatworms. Using single cell/nuclei RNA-seq, WMISH, and comparative gene expression analysis during regeneration, we will dissect the gene regulatory networks controlling the head/tail switch. Our findings will enable mechanistic comparisons across the Goenomix model animal collection towards our common goal of understanding head/tail specification.

Characterization of an ancient GRN that specifies a phylum-level synapomorphy the molluscan shell

PR: [Daniel J. Jackson]
PhD: tba

This project will investigate the evolution of the molluscan shell by employing the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis as a model. Using single cell/nuclei RNA-seq, WMISH, and comparative gene expression in conchiferans, it aims to identify regulatory GRNs that initiate the formation of this phylum-specific structure, and will provide insight into the mechanisms that supported the diversification of the Metazoa.

Integrative Bioinformatic Tools for GRN Reconstruction

PR: [Tim Beißbarth]
PhD: tba

The Beißbarth Lab develops computational methods to reconstruct gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in emerging model organisms. We integrate ATAC-seq, RNA-seq and TFBS analyses, model WNT signaling, improve machine-learning methods and create tools for cross-species comparisons. We are looking for PhD candidates interested in statistical data analysis, machine learning methods, gene regulation, bioinformatics, and integrative omics approaches.

Integrative Machine Learning Algorithm for Comparative Cross-species Analysis of Protostomes

PR: [Anne-Christin Hauschild]
PhD: tba

Beschreibung Projekt 10