Research team
Expertise
I am a molecular evolutionary ecologist with a passion for addressing the current climate and biodiversity crises. My research focuses on the evolutionary history and the present and future ecological significance of omega-3 fatty acid biosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems. My work bridges molecular processes, ecosystems, and human society—recognizing that while humans depend on aquatic ecosystems for essential nutrients, they also profoundly impact them. I always strive to combine fundamental research with tackling anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems. As an FWO-supported postdoctoral researcher, I am investigating the role of fatty acid biosynthesis in the rapid trophic diversification of Lake Malawi cichlids, and how these fish contribute to the essential nutrient supply of local communities.
The role of fatty acid biosynthesis in the rapid trophic diversification of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes.
Abstract
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are vital lipid biomolecules that are transferred through the food web, supporting proper development and functioning. Recent research shows that many animals can synthesize LC-PUFAs themselves using a series of fatty acid front-end desaturase and elongase enzymes. These 'ecological keystone genes' allow an animal to partly satisfy its LC-PUFA needs when dietary LC-PUFA provisioning is limited, a scenario set to occur due to climate change. This research investigates the role of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in the rapid speciation and trophic diversification of Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids, where different species rapidly acquired unique feeding ecologies, requiring novel LC-PUFA provisioning strategies. Their genes responsible for LC-PUFA biosynthesis and their potential role in adaptive radiation are explored, leveraging genomic data from over 270 cichlid species. I aim to elucidate the impact of dietary LC PUFA availability as a selective pressure driving molecular adaptation among cichlids. Variation in LC-PUFA biosynthesis genes and LC-PUFA content will be investigated to reveal associations with dietary LC-PUFA availability and habitat, providing insights into potential adaptations. Transcriptomic and phenotypic responses to varying LC-PUFA provisioning will be explored in controlled feeding experiments, shedding light on the consequences of the evolved LC-PUFA biosynthesis capacity and its benefits in a changing climate.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Svardal Hannes
- Fellow: Boyen Jens
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The role of fatty acid biosynthesis in the rapid trophic diversification of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes.
Abstract
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are vital lipid biomolecules that are transferred through the food web, supporting proper animal development and functioning. Recent research now shows that many animals are capable of synthesizing LC-PUFAs themselves using a series of fatty acid front-end desaturase and elongase enzymes. These so-called 'ecological keystone genes' allow an animal to partly satisfy its LC-PUFA needs when dietary LC-PUFA provisioning is limited. This research investigates the role of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in the rapid speciation and trophic diversification of the famous Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids, where different species rapidly acquired unique feeding ecologies, requiring novel LC-PUFA provisioning strategies. Their genes responsible for LC-PUFA biosynthesis and their potential role in adaptive radiation are explored, leveraging genomic data from over 200 Lake Malawi cichlid species. I aim to elucidate the impact of dietary LC-PUFA availability as a selective pressure driving molecular adaptation among cichlids. Genomic variation in LC-PUFA biosynthesis genes will be investigated to reveal associations with trophic level, dietary LC-PUFA availability, and habitat, providing insights into potential adaptations. Transcriptomic and phenotypic responses to varying LC-PUFA provisioning will be explored in both natural habitats and controlled feeding experiments, shedding light on the consequences of the evolved LC-PUFA biosynthesis capacity.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Svardal Hannes
- Fellow: Boyen Jens
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project