Morphology, motion, and mechanics of vertebral joints in fish

About this opportunity

We depend on healthy joints to stay active, independent and productive. Disorders of the joints of our spine (intervertebral joints) are particularly disruptive, with back pain and disorders impacting millions of people. Finding better ways to protect and restore the joints of our spine remains a major challenge.

Fish have become valuable models for studying disorders of spinal joints and bones, however our knowledge of normal spine mechanics in fish is limited. Most studies so far have focused on zebrafish, whose small size and relatively homogenous spine make it difficult to study the interaction of spine shape on motion and joint function.

This project uses a new fish species, like the frogfish, as models to examine the role of soft joint tissues and vertebral bones in spinal motion. Compared to zebrafish, frogfish have larger vertebrae that vary in shape across the spine and bend three-dimensionally. You will use a combination of 3D biological imaging, computer animation, and mechanical modelling to uncover the mechanics of intervertebral joints in this species.

Hypothesis: The interaction of both the soft tissues within the joints and bony vertebrae determine how the spine bends and responds to muscle forces. If so, then the changes in joint anatomy across the spine should lead to changes the joint’s mobility.

Objectives: You will study the three-dimensional (3D) shape and motion of intervertebral joints, using fish as a model.

1. Reconstruct detailed morphology of intervertebral joints. You will use biological imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create 3D, digital models of the bones and soft tissues of the intervertebral joints. You will compare the 3D anatomy of the joints to discover how joint morphology changes across the spine from head to tail.
2. Measure the maximum possible mobility of the intervertebral joints. You will manipulate physical specimens or digital models to determine the greatest range of 3D motion allowed by the bony and soft tissue of each intervertebral joint. This range of motion sets the maximum theoretical spine postures that could be achieved during natural behaviours. You will document how the magnitude and direction of joint mobility varies, and test whether this corresponds to changes in joint shape.
3. Test how the intervertebral joints of fish respond to bending forces. You will create a finite-element model of the spine—including the intervertebral joints—and simulate the muscle forces these joints might experience during natural behaviours. This will reveal how joints resist or permit spine bending in certain directions and highlight areas of the spine that may be vulnerable to injury.

Significance: Together this work will improve our understanding of how the shape of intervertebral joints determine the 3D motions of the spine. Establishing the structure-motion relationship of the spine in a healthy fish will be a first step towards building better models of human back pain and disease.

Further reading

Camp, A. L. (2021). A neck-like vertebral motion in fish. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 288, 20211091. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.1091

Newham, E., Kague, E., Aggleton, J.A., Fernee, C., Brown, K.R. and Hammond, C.L., 2019. Finite element and deformation analyses predict pattern of bone failure in loaded zebrafish spines. Journal of The Royal Society Interface, 16(160), p.20190430. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2019.0430

Who is this for?

Essential Applicant Qualifications

You need to have:

• At least a 2-1 degree in biology, anatomy, zoology or a related relevant field
• Enthusiasm for learning about vertebral kinematics and 3D computer visualization
• Creative and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills
• Strong written and interpersonal communication

Desirable Applicant Qualifications

It is helpful—but not require if you also have any of the following:

• Familiarity with vertebrate anatomy and physiology
• Experience with biological imaging (e.g., image analysis, 3D reconstruction, motion tracking)
• Experience in biomechanics (applying mechanical or engineering principles to biological structures and motions) or other interdisciplinary work.

Is this okay?

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs.

Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.