Development of muscle. We have cloned zebrafish myf-5 and begun a study of its pattern of expression during development.

Role of calpains in development and disease. We have cloned a number of zebrafish calpains and are currently examining their expression patterns in specific organs and tissues.

The zebrafish as a model system in toxicology. The zebrafish is an excellent indicator organism for studying the toxic impact of naturally occurring and anthropogenic chemicals which find their way into the aquatic environment. Our prime interest has focussed on modelling how dissolved organic matter (as might be found in the leachate from dumpsites) complexes with metals such as copper to alter its toxicity. This work is an extension of other ecotoxicological studies, primarily carried out in Antarctica, in which we use fish health to monitor the status of the aquatic environment.