Dissertation Research: The role of genetic interactions in adaptation

Regents Of The University Of Idaho, Moscow ID

Investigators

Abstract

Many genes control organismal traits and these genes interact in complex ways. This project focuses on two types of gene interactions - physical and epistatic (gene-by-gene) - and how their contribution shapes biological diversity. First, genes are physically located along chromosomes so that the action of genetic recombination, mutation and selection on a focal gene affects expressed variation at nearby genes. Second, genes may interact with one another through common genetic pathways. We will evolve experimental populations of yeast in the laboratory under different environmental conditions, and then genetically sequence the populations to test a prevailing model of genetic evolution. We will also use computer simulation models of evolving genetic networks to identify how epistatic interactions affect adaptation to changing environmental pressures. Lastly, we will examine the joint effect of these two types of interactions on genetic diversity in the experimental yeast system. This research will train a graduate student in genomics and experimental evolution, with mentorship toward a research career. Furthermore, we will create an educational webpage available to the public, aimed at high school biology students, that will interactively show how the complex interaction of various genetic and environmental processes shape biological diversity.