The evolution and development of vertebrate skin appendage morphogenesis

About the Project

Project description:

Morphogenesis—the process by which tissues acquire their shape—is central to the development and function of all multicellular life. It is increasingly clear that morphogenesis is often governed by a dynamic interplay between chemical (i.e. molecular) signalling and mechanical forces. However, this integrated control, known as mechanochemical signalling, remains poorly understood in vertebrates.

Skin appendages are a diverse group of micro-organs, including scales, feathers, hair and teeth, that have been widely used as model systems to investigate embryonic development. This PhD project will investigate how mechanical cues influence chemical signalling to shape the development of skin appendages in two vertebrate models: the chicken embryo, a classical system in developmental biology, and the shark embryo, an emerging model from the cartilaginous fishes. Sharks display diverse scale morphologies across their body, providing an opportunity to investigate how mechanochemical systems underpin developmental diversity.

This interdisciplinary project will use 3D fluorescence microscopy, biophysical analyses, transcriptomics (RNA-sequencing), and in vivo experimentation, to investigate and compare skin appendage development between the shark and chicken. This work will advance our understanding of how mechanical and chemical signalling interact to control morphogenesis, and how mechanochemical developmental processes have evolved across distinct vertebrate lineages.

Candidate requirements:

We welcome applicants with a strong background in biology, biophysics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Experience in developmental biology, microscopy, or molecular biology is desirable but not essential. Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for evo-devo biology and interdisciplinary research.

Please apply for this project using this link: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded project. Applicants must secure their own funding or be eligible to apply for competitive doctoral scholarships. We are happy to support strong candidates in applying for institutional, national, or international funding opportunities.

References

For more information or to apply, please contact Dr Rory Cooper at r.l.cooper@sheffield.ac.uk
Lab website: https://rorylcooper.wordpress.com/
Institution website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/rory-cooper
Selected relevant publications:
Santos Durán, G., Cooper, R. L., Jahanbakhsh, E., Timin, G., & Milinkovitch, M. C., Self organised Patterning of Crocodile Head Scales by Compressive Folding.
Nature 2025; 637, 375-383
Cooper, R. L., & Milinkovitch M. C., In-vivo sonic hedgehog pathway antagonism temporarily results in ancestral proto-feather-like structures in the chicken.
PLOS Biology 2025; 23(3): e30003061
Cooper, R. L., Thiery, A. P., Fletcher, A. G., Delbarre, D., Rasch, L. J., & Fraser, G. J., An ancient Turing-like patterning mechanism regulates skin denticle development in sharks.
Science Advances 2018; 4: eaau5484