The retinal stem cell niche as integrator of temperature and organ growth: comparing the limits of developmental robustness in zebrafish and medaka.

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Michael Dorrity; Professor Dr. Joachim Wittbrodt
• Subject Area: General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 557410503

Temperature adaptation is crucial for poikilothermic animals like fish, with each species evolved to thrive within a specific optimal temperature range. While increased temperatures generally accelerate biological processes, the coordination of these processes remains robust within species-specific temperature boundaries. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying temperature adaptation and developmental robustness in the retinal stem cell niche of teleost fish. We will conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis (snRNA seq) of two evolutionarily distant teleost species with different temperature tolerances: zebrafish (Danio rerio, 25-33°C) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes, 10-40°C). Focusing on the retinal stem cell niche (ciliary marginal zone, CMZ) as a model system, we will investigate: 1) Molecular mechanisms conferring developmental robustness to temperature fluctuations; 2) Critical failure points in signaling cascades leading to loss of developmental synchronization (experimental validation by pharmacological of genetic interventions); 3) Processes most resilient to temperature perturbation. By systematically exposing embryos to increasing temperature regimes, we will analyze the molecular responses of retinal stem cells in coordinating growth and differentiation. This approach will provide insights into species-specific and general mechanisms of robustness and resilience in complex animal systems, addressing a significant gap in our understanding of developmental temperature adaptation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants