Markéta Kaucká
Please refer to https://www.evolbio.mpg.de/evodevodynamics or contact Markéta Kaucká for further information on the project after having read the recommended literature.
List of publications of the group: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=kaucka+m
Please submit your application documents via our online portal.
Project 2. Evolution of Developmental Programs (Evolution of facial shapes)
Since the Cambrian explosion approximately 500 million years ago, vertebrates have evolved into an exceptionally diverse subphylum with unique features that enabled them to successfully inhabit most environments and niches on the planet. Across vertebrates, the body compartment that has acquired the highest degree of morphological diversity is the head and particularly the face. Today's spectrum of vertebrate facial shapes reflects evolutionary adaptations to the environment, the development of distinct feeding strategies, communication and the overall lifestyle.
The face and its shape emerge during embryonic development, a four-dimensional morphogenetic process orchestrated by conserved genes tightly regulated in time and space. Evolutionary changes result in differences in timing (heterochrony), spatial arrangements (heterotopy) or quantity (heterotopy) on multiple levels - from gene expression patterns and molecules to cell behaviour. The group Evolutionary Developmental Dynamics strives to understand the intricate process of face formation from multiple perspectives and how evolution altered developmental events to generate a broad spectrum of distinct geometries.
We integrate experimental and computational approaches and employ various vertebrate models (from mouse to shark) to investigate how evolution calibrates conserved gene expression patterns during embryogenesis to build different facial shapes. We are particularly interested in the role of non-coding sequences with regulatory functions in this complex morphogenetic process. We employ single-cell transcriptomics, single-cell ATAC sequencing, 3rd generation in situ hybridization, whole-mount imaging, genetic tracing, micro-computed tomography, bioinformatics and a battery of conventional methods of molecular, developmental and evolutionary biology.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong Evo-Devo background, an appropriate methodological skillset and a proven ability to work independently on complex biological questions. Successful candidates shall have excellent problem-solving skills, a commitment to scientific excellence, and a proactive approach to learning and collaboration. A demonstrated track record of academic achievements or relevant research experience will be highly regarded. The single-cell RNA/ATAC sequencing data for this project are available. The candidate is expected to participate in both experimental and computational approaches and work with developmental stages across species.
Recommended literature:
Attanasio C. et al. Fine Tuning of Craniofacial Morphology by Distant-Acting Developmental Enhancers. Science (2013). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1241006
White, JD. Et al. Insights into the genetic architecture of the human face. Nature genetics (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-020-00741-7
Kaucka, M. et al. Oriented clonal cell dynamics enables accurate growth and shaping of vertebrate cartilage. Elife 6, doi:10.7554/eLife.25902 (2017).
Kaucka, M. et al. Signals from the brain and olfactory epithelium control shaping of the mammalian nasal capsule cartilage. Elife 7, doi:10.7554/eLife.34465 (2018).
Murillo-Rincon, A. P. & Kaucka, M. Insights Into the Complexity of Craniofacial Development From a Cellular Perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 8, 620735, doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.620735 (2020).
Rogers, K. W. & Schier, A. F. Morphogen gradients: from generation to interpretation. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 27, 377-407, doi:10.1146/annurev-cellbio-092910-154148 (2011).
Kaucka, M. Cis-regulatory landscapes in the evolution and development of the mammalian skull. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 378, 20220079, doi:10.1098/rstb.2022.0079 (2023).
Marioni, J. C. & Arendt, D. How Single-Cell Genomics Is Changing Evolutionary and Developmental Biology. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 33, 537-553, doi:10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100616-060818 (2017).