Angelica Coculla

 

Molecular Behavioural Genetics
Institute of Neuro- and Behavioural Biology
Badestr. 13
D-48149 Münster, Germany
acoculla@uni-muenster.de

Education

• Since 2021:
  PhD studies in the Molecular Behavioural Genetics Group, Institute of Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Germany
• 2019 - 2020:
  Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College of London, United Kingdom
• 2015 - 2019:
  Bachelor of Arts (B.Sc.) in Biology and Psychology, Trent University, Canada

Work experience

• 2018 - 2019:
  Teaching assistant, Trent University, Canada
• 2017 - 2019:
  Undergraduate Tutor, Biology and Psychology Undergraduate Societies, Trent University, Canada
• 2017 - 2018:
  Laboratory assistant, Trent University, Canada

Supervisors

• Prof. Dr. Ralf Stanewsky, Molecular Behavioural Genetics Group, Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Germany
• Prof. Dr. Joachim Kurtz, Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Germany
• Dr. Sebastian Rumpf, Neuronal Morphogenesis Group, Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Germany

Research interests

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PhD project description

Temporal niche choice in D. melanogaster

Most animals are active during restricted time of the day, which are defined as temporal niche. Organisms’ temporal niche preference is regulated by an intricate interplay between the animal’s circadian clock and environmental fluctuations, such as preferred temperature, light intensity, predators and food availability. As genetic mutations in circadian clocks significantly affect organism’s fitness, it is conceivable that
‘exploring’ or extending an individual’s temporal niche can results in positive fitness effects, for example by increasing mating chances and food resources. Furthermore, changing environmental conditions likely change the conditions of temporal niches, which may activate niche conformance and/or choice mechanisms. Here, we test the hypothesis that individuals can actively explore and choose temporal niches that support their own fitness. We designed a behavioural choice apparatus, allowing flies to choose between temporal regimes. Using flies with altered circadian clock speed, we will first analyse if flies can actively seek an environment in which external and internal time match. This proof-of-principle experiment will then be modified to test if individual wild type flies differ in their choice for diverse natural environmental conditions. By monitoring mating attempts and success, these assays may help to understand if individual variation in temporal niche choice leads to fitness gain in a changing environment (e.g. global warming).

To understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying individual behavioural variation and temporal niche choice, and the potential role of cryptic genetic variation (CGV), we will investigate if the candidate evolutionary capacitator HSP90 contributes to behavioural variation among individuals. Previous studies indicate that Hsp90-mutant flies exhibit increased behavioural variation, including multiple transitions from rhythmic to arrhythmic behaviour. We will use transgenic RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create cell type specific Hsp90 knock-outs. These mutants will be analysed behaviourally to see if Hsp90 contributes to individual differences in temporal niche choice, and to determine the cellular substrates and molecular targets of HSP90 protein function. In summary, we aim to proof the existence of temporal
niche choice for individual fitness gain. In addition, our novel approach will target the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying temporal choice, which have not been described for any system.