Moa Metz
About
I am a P.hD. candidate in the Jutfelt Fish Ecophysiology lab working on thermal tolerance and performance in zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Currently, the main topic in our lab is how rising temperatures may affect fish in terms of their physiology and behaviour. Fishes, and other aquatic ectotherms, are especially vulnerable to temperature changes because their body temperature changes together with the ambient temperature. Many fish populations inhabit environments that are regularly experiencing seasonal temperature changes, heat waves or daily fluctuations. This imposes a serious threat when temperatures are approaching their thermal limits or if the temperature is beyond the optimal range for the performance of essential traits.
In my Ph.D. project, I aim to obtaining a better understanding of what mechanisms are involved in dealing with climate change. In particular, I am studying changes on the molecular level as a response to both chronic temperature changes and rapid acute heating events. These mechanisms include production of protective heat shock proteins, alterations in lipid composition and mitochondrial function. I do this both by correlating molecular changes with thermal tolerance and performance, but also by manipulating the molecular processes themselves to elucidate their importance.
My supervisors are Fredrik Jutfelt, Rasmus Ern and Robin Leeuwis.
Publications
2025
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Burc, Estelle;
Girard-Tercieux, Camille;
Metz, Moa Anna Julia;
Cazaux, Elise;
Baur, Julian;
Koppik, Mareike.
(2025)
Life-history adaptation under climate warming magnifies the agricultural footprint of a cosmopolitan insect pest.
Nature Communications
Academic article
Journal publications
-
Burc, Estelle;
Girard-Tercieux, Camille;
Metz, Moa Anna Julia;
Cazaux, Elise;
Baur, Julian;
Koppik, Mareike.
(2025)
Life-history adaptation under climate warming magnifies the agricultural footprint of a cosmopolitan insect pest.
Nature Communications
Academic article