Physiological integration and phenotypic variation in vertebrates

There have recently been calls for an Extended Synthesis of Evolutionary Biology, whereby historically under appreciated or unknown factors (e.g., development, gene networks) are incorporated into modern eco-evolutionary studies. One particular problem not addressed by the Modern Synthesis entails how phenotype is transduced from genotype, especially in large, multi-cellular organisms. Colleagues and I propose that integrators, certain physiological factors such as glucocorticoids, some cytokines, and melatonin, have special characteristics that enable them act as a network and coordinate much of the phenotypic variation that exists within and among metazoan species. My lab focuses on one facet of integrator networks: cross-talk between stress coping mechanisms and immune defenses. Specifically, we are investigating the causes and consequences of variation in stress-immune interactions for two phenomena in wild birds: facilitation of animal invasions and the emergence/persistence of disease.

Contact

  Courtney Murdock
  ccm15@psu.edu