Ahead of the curve: imaging and computational analysis of shape and form in the developing zebrafish ear

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This project will explore how the complex shape of the vertebrate inner ear-the organ of hearing and balance-is generated in the embryo. Within this sensory organ, the semicircular canals have a highly ordered three-dimensional arrangement, which is critical for their function. The canals consist of narrow ducts or tubes linked to ampullae, rounded chambers that house the exquisitely sensitive sensory hair cells. Formation of the ducts, ampullae and sensory tissue in the embryo requires co-ordinated changes in cell shape to generate thin or thickened epithelium, and regions of high epithelial curvature. This project aims to describe and understand these processes in the zebrafish embryo, using cutting edge imaging and computational techniques.The successful student will use light-sheet microscopy to image the developing ear, using both wild-type and mutant zebrafish lines. Transgenic fluorescent markers are available to label cell membranes and nuclei. The student will primarily be based in the Whitfield group (biological imaging), but will work closely with the Frangi group (computational biology) to select and apply computational techniques to analyse their imaging data.We are seeking an enthusiastic student who is keen to embrace both imaging and computational approaches to tackle a biological problem.