Coupling cellular dynamics with animal behaviour in small teleost models

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Small fish species have become attractive laboratory models to study the mechanisms of cellular function and how these can lead to modifications in animal behaviour. The zebrafish is an excellent example of this, offering the ability to observe developmental processes in real-time in live transparent larvae, and displaying an array of representative vertebrate behaviours throughout life. These more cost-effective vertebrate models share a highly conserved genome with their mammalian relatives, along with many common biological processes from birth to senescence. However, taking advantage of small teleost models to investigate fundamental cellular programs and their association with behavioural activity can only be realized with specialized equipment. Most contemporary methods to examine cellular function involve the use of transgenic animals and genetic engineering, the injection of intracellular inhibitors and activators, and dye tracers to track cell migration. Likewise, automated behavioural equipment is now the gold standard for behavioural phenotyping following cellular manipulation and for monitoring complex behaviours including learning, discriminatory tasks, or during recovery after injury. The use of small teleosts in conjunction with these powerful cellular and behavioural approaches offer innovative and interdisciplinary opportunities for discovery-based research not possible in many other experimental vertebrate systems. ******A multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in studying cell function and animal behaviour will lead a Cells to Behaviour System specialized for zebrafish and Mexican cavefish. This system will be comprised of two platforms. The first platform consists of a micro-injection unit complete with a pipette puller and stereo microscope to create transgenic fish lines, track cellular migration, and deliver compounds to modify cellular activity across embryonic to adult stages of development. A second platform will allow for high throughput behavioural screening and analysis of embryos and larvae, in addition to observations of more complex behaviours in adult fish using state-of-the art behavioural equipment and monitoring software. The proposed system will allow researchers to make fundamental insights into the roles of specific cell types on many important biological processes and how these are coupled with behavioural output. Our HQP will be provided with unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge training required for careers in biology, biomedical engineering, ecology, and health. The availability of the requested equipment will further serve to build new collaborations between basic scientists at the University of Manitoba and the emerging community of researchers in Canada and abroad utilizing fish as a model for their diverse research programs. **