| This multidisciplinary group uses molecular and bioinformatics approaches to study various fields of aquaculture, marine biology, ecology and evolution. The teaching and research activities of the group concern the structure, function and evolution of genes and genomes, in particular focusing on genes related to metabolism, the immune system and muscle development of marine organisms. The group also uses molecular markers to address problems in marine ecology, evolution and taxonomy, recognising the need for broad systemic knowledge to sustainable aquaculture and the management and conservation of natural populations.
Current research covers a range of marine organisms. Atlantic cod is a key species, for which research interests include the characterisation of coastal and Arctic cod populations based on complete mitochondrial genomes, the immune system, the inheritance pattern of mitochondrial tandem repeats, and cryptic female choice based on in vitro fertilizations. Population structure, gene flow and sex allocation is investigated in seabirds using molecular markers to determine their vulnerability and effective management practices facing potential oil spills. Research also covers development of molecular markers for characterization of growth and immune status in flatfishes; genome-wide screen, characterization and evolution of antimicrobial peptide families in several fish species; detection of hybrids and population assessments in two sympatric sea urchin species; the specific status and phylogeny of three putative species of corals.
National and international collaborating institutions include the University of Tromsø, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Iceland, University of St Andrews, University of Tokyo, University of Porto, and Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.
For more information, see http://www.mtdna.no/
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