The role of microbiome-mitochondria interactions in phenotypic flexibility to cold exposure in Great tits (Parus major)

The importance of the gut microbiome has become evident in shaping the ecology and evolution of organisms.

Microbiome has been connected to maintaining body temperature in exposure, which can mediate changes at molecular levels and modulate metabolic pathways related to energy regulation. Mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, is responsible for energy production but also produces heat.

Although crosstalk between the gut microbiome and mitochondria has been documented in biomedical research, to my knowledge, no studies have addressed whether this interaction is also observable in wild animals and what kind of effect it has in energy-demanding situations. Also, existing studies on wild systems rely almost completely on correlative data.

I will study the crosstalk between microbiome and mitochondria and its effects on the phenotypic flexibility of cold resistance in Great tits. To my knowledge, this is the first time microbiome-mitochondria interactions are studied in wild birds.

By experimentally manipulating the microbiome and mitochondrial function in wild Great tits I’ll be able to study the causal effects of the experiments on the cold resistance phenotypes of the birds. Thus, MIMIFLEX will integrate cellular-level mechanisms with the physiology and phenotype of the animal.

Dr.

Ruuskanen’s research group has profound experience in both, studying microbiome and mitochondria which complements my expertise in physiological ecology, allowing me to develop new research skills and opening a two-way knowledge transfer.

Throughout the project, I will gain experience in conducting excellent research, but also in transferable skills such as project management, leadership, acquiring funding and communicating the results.

Therefore, this fellowship would help me to solidify my skillset to establish independence as a researcher, open up potential future collaboration and establish a new branch of research on microbiome-mitochondria crosstalk in ecology.