In the proposed thesis project, we will examine glucose signalling in early vertebrate embryos by combining the unique advantages of two model systems: culture of organogenesis stage mouse embryos (Aulehla group) in chemically defined medium allows for precise manipulation of metabolic activities and metabolite levels, without confounding input from yolk or placenta, whereas the zebrafish (Dickmeis group) is an excellent system for bioimaging and rapid testing of gene function. We will adapt fluorescent biosensors developed in the Aulehla laboratory to examine changes occurring in glucose metabolism in early embryos, and explore the function of transcriptional targets of glucose signalling in the zebrafish exploiting the rapid transient overexpression and loss-of-function approaches (morpholinos, CRISPR-Cas9) available in this model system. Previous experience with fluorescence microscopy and data analysis or with the zebrafish model organism is an advantage, but not required.

The ITG at KIT is one of the major centers for zebrafish research in Germany. Notably, the ITG houses the largest experimental fish facility in Europe and is home to the European Zebrafish Resource Center (EZRC). A screening facility provides a variety of instruments for chemical screening approaches, including bioluminescence plate readers and automated microscope systems. The ITG also provides a wide range of imaging equipment, including digital scanned light-sheet microscopy (DSLM) for high resolution in vivo microscopy. The cosmopolitan make- up of the institute is reflected by the fact that staff members represent 15 different nationalities from around the world and English is the lingua franca.