Gene expression analysis platform

The research group Developmental Biology of Fishes was founded in 2004 as part of a process where four former departments at UiB merged into BIO (Dept of Biology). During this major reorganization process, researchers with different background and themati c focus joined up and formed a new group focusing on physiology and functional development during early stages of teleosts. Our aim is to become a key Norwegian and European player within basic research on environmental and genetic control of fish develo pment. Using teleost fishes as models, our scientific vision is to explore how the phenotypic plasticity encoded in the genome responds to environmental cues. Our emphasis will be on basic genetic and cellular mechanisms controlling differentiation and fu nction of tissues and organ systems that are vital for adaptation, growth and survival. Our research combine molecular and experimental studies on zebra fish, Atlantic cod and salmon, with the aim to reveal the plasticity and adaptive significance of de velopmental systems associated with especially hydro mineral balance, digestion and growth. All systems involve mechanisms that are sensitive to the environments that are vital for larval survival. In addition to basic studies we also emphasise a close co llaboration with key players in commercial producers of larvae and juveniles in Norway. One of the main instruments to acheive this task is to establish an in-house state-of-the-art-laboratory for quantitative and qualitative semi high-throughput analysi s of gene expression (GExAp-RNA). We have spent strategic funds within the group to get the first critical units of the facility and BIO has dedicated a highly qualified senior technician to establish and run the facility. This application requests fun ds to enable us to aquire the last and critical equipment units neccessary for the platform. The establishment of GExAP-RNA is critical to achieve our aims and has first priority for our funding activities