Choosing Coral Winners

“NERC：Elizabeth Beuchhamp：NE/S007512/1”我研究的中心目标是通过确定种群内耐热性差异的根本原因，为珊瑚礁的辅助进化干预提供信息。如果能够确定与提高耐热性相关的某些生理或遗传特征，这些特征可能在确定用于恢复和适应干预的最佳候选珊瑚方面具有价值。这将是第一批研究自然热胁迫下共生科珊瑚和选择性繁殖的F1珊瑚的原核微生物组的研究之一。鲍姆实验室最近发表了一项研究，使用技术来识别珊瑚的共生科和微生物群落(ITS2和16S rRNA基因扩增子序列)，这些珊瑚来自太平洋的一个偏远地区，与我在帕劳的研究地点有许多相似之处，也有一些关键的不同之处。通过这些方法，我将更好地了解共生菌科和原核微生物在珊瑚全沟中的作用，加强研究，并提高我的博士学位。对这些F1珊瑚的分子分析提供了一个独特的机会来了解表型耐热性及其相关的生理性状是如何代代相传的。这是建立辅助进化技术的可行性的核心，这种技术包括选择性育种以进行适应性训练。我还建议访问不列颠哥伦比亚大学，以拜访Sally Aitken教授以及基林和Parfray实验室。Aitken教授是辅助进化应用的世界领先者，在那里我将获得有关表型特征和涉及局部基因组适应的基因的知识。基林和帕夫雷实验室是促进微生物群落及其关系方面的额外培训的理想选择。在鲍姆实验室进行这项工作将为我提供一个宝贵的机会，为我的博士研究增加重要的元素，并通过珊瑚分子生物学和生物信息技术方面的培训发展必要的技能。这也是一个难得的机会，可以在我的家乡研究所之外获得曝光率，与世界各国领导人建立持久的网络和合作，同时建立作为研究人员的信心。

"NERC:ElizabethBeauchamp:NE/S007512/1"The central goal of my research is to inform assisted evolution interventions on coral reefs by determining the underlying causes of intra-population variation in heat tolerance. If certain physiological or genetic traits that associate with increased heat tolerance can be identified, these may be valuable in identifying the best candidate corals to be used for restoration and adaptation interventionsThis will be one of the first to examine the Symbiodiniaceae and the prokaryotic microbiome of selectively bred F1 corals under a natural heat stress. The Baum Lab have recently published research using techniques to identify Symbiodiniaceae and microbiome communities (ITS2 and 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) of corals from a remote Pacific location that bears many similarities, and some crucial differences, to my own study location in Palau. Through these methods I will develop a better understanding of the role of Symbiodiniaceae and the prokaryotic microbiome within the coral holobiont, strengthening research, and enhancing my PhD. The molecular analysis of these F1 corals provides a unique opportunity to understand how phenotypic heat tolerance and its associated physiological traits are passed through generations. This is central to establishing the feasibility of assisted evolution techniques that involve selective breeding for adaptive traits.I also propose a visit to The University of British Columbia in order to visit Professor Sally Aitken, as well as the Keeling and Parfray Lab's. Professor Aitken is a world leader in the application of assisted evolution where I will gain knowledge about phenotypic traits and genes involved in local genomic adaption. The Keeling and Parfray Labs are an ideal choice to facilitate additional training in microbial communities and their relationships. Undertaking this placement at The Baum Lab will provide me with an invaluable opportunity to add an important element to my PhD research, and develop skills that are essential through training in coral molecular biology and bioinformatic techniques. This is also a unique chance to gain exposure outside of my home institute, form lasting networks and collaborations with world leaders whilst building confidence as a researcher.