Exploring relationships between wild house mouse ecology and immunology
Fact file
| Duration |
Three to four years full-time |
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| Eligibility |
Self-funded; Home, EU or International Students |
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| Supervisor(s) |
Professor Jan Bradley
Dr Andrew Wolfenden
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| Application deadline |
No deadline |
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About the project
Understanding the causes of variability in the immune systems response underpins our knowledge of disease susceptibility, control of infectious diseases and ultimately, healthy aging. Remarkably the main contributors to this variability are poorly defined, however the drivers behind the variation in the expression of immune traits are likely to be a combination of both heritable and non-heritable factors. In a lab setting, understanding how these factors interact can be challenging, therefore studies on immune variation in a wild environment are essential in addressing fundamental questions relating to healthy aging.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for post graduate research project(s) to work alongside an ongoing, longitudinal study on a wild house mouse population on the Isle of May, Scotland. First recorded in 1885, the Isle of May mice have been the focus of several population ecologists and geneticists (Berry et. al 1990, Triggs 1991, Taylor et. al 2019). The lack of terrestrial predators and isolated nature of the island provide optimal conditions for capture mark recapture (CMR) experiments. The current project includes both field and lab based research on uniquely identifiable mice, that allows the long term mapping of immune variation within and between individual animals.
The study system allows unique research opportunities for self-funded PhD or MRes students to explore a wide range of topics such as diet, parasitology, immunology, movement ecology and genetics. There are learning opportunities for small mammal trapping, Laboratory work, parasite identification and data analysis.
If you are interested in discussing project options or would like further information, please contact Professor Jan Bradley or Dr.Andrew Wolfenden
Funding notes
This project is available to self-funded students. Home applicants should contact the supervisor to determine the current funding status for this project. EU applicants should visit the Graduate School webpages for information on specific EU scholarships. International applicants should visit our International Research Scholarships page for information regarding fees and funding at the University.
References
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Berry, R.J., Triggs, G.S., Bauchau, V., Jones, C.S. and Scriven, P., 1990. Gene flow and hybridization following introduction of Mus domesticus into an established population. Biological journal of the Linnean Society, 41(1-3), pp.279-283
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Triggs, G.S., 1991. The population ecology of house mice (Mus domesticus) on the Isle of May, Scotland. Journal of Zoology, 225(3), pp.449-468.
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Taylor, C.H., Young, S., Fenn, J., Lamb, A.L., Lowe, A.E., Poulin, B., MacColl, A.D. and Bradley, J.E., 2019. Immune state is associated with natural dietary variation in wild mice Mus musculus domesticus. Functional Ecology.
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Exploring relationships between wild house mouse ecology and immunology