Molecular mechanism and physiological regulation of trace metals and ions in fish

维持体内微量金属和离子的平衡是包括鱼类在内的所有生物生存的基础。本研究计划的总体目标是了解：i)维持鱼类体内必需微量金属和离子平衡的过程，以及ii)这些过程如何受到环境变化的影响。提出的研究将调查调节模式生物斑马鱼对锌和铁的吸收和系统处理的途径。我们还将利用印度medaka作为微咸模式系统来了解环境适应和生理补偿的分子基础。将采用多学科方法，整合分子生理学，内分泌学和功能遗传学。这种最先进的策略将有助于确定微量金属和离子生理调节的精确分子机制。推进这一基础知识将对水生生物学、环境生理学以及商业鱼类养殖和发展做出重要贡献。

Maintaining the homeostasis of trace metals and ions in the body is fundamental to the survival of all organisms including fish. The overall goal of this research proposal is to understand: i) the processes that are involved in maintaining essential trace metals and ionic balance in fish, and ii) how these processes are affected by environmental changes. The proposed research will investigate the pathways that regulate the uptake and systemic handling of zinc and iron in the model organism zebrafish. We will also exploit the Indian medaka as a brackish model system to understand the molecular basis of environmental acclimation and physiological compensation. A multidisciplinary approach will be employed, integrating molecular physiology, endocrinology and functional genetics. This state-of-the-art strategy will facilitate the identification of the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie the physiological regulation of trace metals and ions. Advancing this fundamental knowledge will be an important contribution to aquatic biology, environmental physiology, as well as to commercial fish culture and development.