Objective
This project is in the field of the comparative study of invertebrate gametes. Spermatozoa are extremely specialised cells showing species-specific features. These cells have an independent evolution within the various phyla, thus constituting a good independent tool for the understanding of evolution. This principle has yielded good results in the phylogenetic systematics of animal groups with a poor set of characters. The two participants from Western Europe will work on such taxa (Platyhelminthes and Clitellata), while the Russian partners have worked on the comparative spermatology of marine animals for many years.
The general aim of the project is to collect many species of poorly studied groups available in Russia, a country with an extraordinary and poorly known biodiversity, and study these samples in the laboratories of Milan (ultrastructure) and Paris (immunocytochemistry). The concentration will be on Branchiobdellida collected in the region of Vladivostok and Acoela from St. Petersburg, and gametes of selected molluscs to study the fertilisation. With two Russian scientists working in Wsestern Europe an laboratories with advanced techniques, a considerable transfer of technology from west to east will be assured.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
20133 MILANO
Italy