Developmental Innervation of brown adipose tissue (McMaster University, PDF)
BAT sympathetic innervation pattern is controlled in part by neurotrophic factors secreted by brown adipocyte cells (aka ‘batokines’). We are trying to understand which factors are important in different populations of rodents
Developmental and maternal adaptation to high altitude (PhD Thesis, McMaster University)
For my PhD I studied high altitude populations of the North American deer mouse. I focused on the ontogeny of thermoregulation and how thermoregulatory systems are shaped by hypoxia and cold. Additionally, I studied maternal care and energetics.
Key Papers https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2019.0841 https://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/21/jeb210963 https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/37/8/2309/5815568
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00360-021-01355-z
Developmental responses to hypoxia in fish (MSc U Guelph)
I’ve looked at some of the short and long term consequences of early exposure to low oxygen during critical windows of development.
Key Papers https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2016.1868 https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2014.0637
Comparative physiology in extreme environments
I’m also generally interested in how animals cope with stressful environments. Some of my favourite critters to study include
Mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus)- these amphibious fishes live in environments that can be acidic, hypercapnic, hypoxic and hot…all at the same time! North American deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)- broadest distribution of any North American mammal. Great models for studying local adaptation The White Footed mouse (P. leucopus)- close cousin of the deer mouse. live sympatrically in many locations but only found at low altitude Zebrafish (Danio rerio) -important model organism and super hypoxia tolerant Spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias)
Cayleih Robertson, PhD 