Epigenetics is the study of reversible changes in gene expression and function that occur without modifications in the DNA sequence. The epigenetic variations that are environmentally determined contribute to inter-individual variation in gene expression and, thus, to variation in the development of phenotypes in an individual or even throughout the entire population. These epigenetic modifications can, in some cases, be inherited by subsequent generations, even when the initial external stimuli are no longer present in the environment of these organisms. My research interests are focused on 1) probing the epigenetic mechanisms behind the development of phenotypes that can be inherited by subsequent generation/s with a focus on innate immunity and trained immunity in crustaceans, 2) development of epigenetic markers for evaluating the efficiency of an individual product or feed in terms of immune priming, 3) Understanding the interaction between genome and epigenome in light of climate change.
To address my research questions, I have been using Artemia, salmonid fish, shrimp, and crayfish as model organisms. Artemia is a small crustacean with a short generation time. It produces dormant eggs that can be stored for months without losing viability—a property that is unique and is mostly described for plant models.
Terengganu University, Malaysia
Gorgan University and Urmia University, Iran
Ghent University, Belgium
Uppsala University, Sweden
Chulalongkorn University, Thailan
Linköping University, Sweden
(co) supervisor of 16 master's students - 14 completed and 2 undergoing
(co) supervisor of 6 PhD students - 2 completed and 4 undergoing
