Student’s view - Molecular Cell Biology
- Chemokines and zebrafish
During my first Masters year I had the opportunity to do my research internship within the Molecular Cell Biology section of the IBL. My project was focussed on characterising a chemokine receptor in zebrafish. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in the migration process of leukocytes to sites of infection and inflammation.
This internship allowed me to familiarise myself with using zebrafish as a model organism, applying various molecular techniques, learning how to use different imaging techniques and above all: being a scientist! This was a fantastic learning experience which led to very convincing results. By using a technique called double fluorescent in situ hybridisation I was able to identify in which leukocyte cell type the chemokine receptor is expressed.
Through collaborations between the Molecular Cell Biology section and the Lieschke lab in Melbourne, I had the opportunity to perform my second research internship in Australia studying the innate immune response against a dangerous fungal infection.
These internship experiences have equipped me with the skills to continue doing research on the immune system with great enthusiasm: I have just started my PhD at the Molecular Cell Biology section working with zebrafish to study various host signalling pathways involved in inflammation and infection.
Erica Benard
