Climate-induced thermal plasticity of aging and telomere length dynamics – Sorbonne Université Emergence Project
A project funded by Sorbonne Université Appel à Projet Emergence 2023
About the project
In this project, we will uniquely combine experimental, observational and analytical approaches to unlock critical gaps in our understanding of thermal plasticity of telomere biology. We will use an integrative approach focusing on model lizard species (Zootoca vivipara), which offers a unique context for analyzing how local climate conditions influences telomere dynamics. Using population surveys across a climatic gradient, we will first document patterns of telomere erosion in response to climate warming, focusing on vulnerable populations of the warm range margin. In addition, we will perform outdoor experiments to identify aging and telomere erosion in the context of realistic simulations of present day, future and intermediate climate conditions. Non-energetic trade-offs will be quantified using assays of oxidative stress and telomere length dynamics. Altogether, this project will highlight patterns, mechanisms, and consequences for population viability of telomere erosion in response to global warming.