Diet and Lipidome Remodeling in Atlantic Salmon at teh University of Edinburgh

Supervisors: Vicky MacRae, Ross Houston and Kanchan Phadwal

Closing Date:  5th January 2022

In Atlantic salmon aquaculture, the commercial feed used in the final grow-out production phase in sea cages contains high levels of lipids. These lipids provide the main source of energy, promoting rapid growth and high feed efficiency. However, this strategy comes at the expense of a marked increase in visceral fat deposition (lipid droplets in adipocytes), cardiovascular dysfunction, inflammation and mortality (up to 20%) in winter months, bringing significant economic loss (1). It is therefore crucial to reduce lipid deposition in these animals.

Lipid droplets can be degraded via lipophagy (autophagic degradation of lipid droplets), a novel process that contributes to the release of free fatty acids stored within the droplets (2). Indeed, our preliminary data have established an essential role for autophagy in lipid degradation in an Atlantic salmon cell line. In the proposed project we will create the first model of lipophagy in Atlantic salmon, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology based protocols established by Prof. Houstons laboratory (3). This model will be employed to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning visceral fat deposition, heart and skeletal muscle inflammation, markers of cardiovascular disease and fish specific adaptors of lipophagy. Further studies will develop the first salmon health diet, supplemented with lipophagy inducers, and test the protective effects of this diet on Atlantic salmon.

References

1. Dessen, et al. J. Appl. Aquac. 2020

1. Koukanis., et al. Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 2019

1. Gratacap et al. Marine Biotech. 2020

We would encourage applicants to list up to three projects of interest (ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice) from those listed with a closing date of 5th January 2022 at https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/work-study/opportunities/studentships 

This opportunity is open to UK and international students and provides funding to cover stipend, tuition fees and consumable/travel costs.  Applications including a statement of interest and full CV with names and addresses (including email addresses) of two academic referees, should be emailed to [email protected].

When applying for the studentship pleasestate clearly the project title/s and the supervisor/s in your covering letter.

A webinar will be held on Tuesday 14th December at 13.00hrs (UK time) to assist you in the application process and tell you a little more about studying for a PhD with us.  It will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.  If interested in joining us please send your name and email address to [email protected]by Friday 10th December and we will send you a link to the on line meeting

ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 5th JANUARY 2022