REU: Evolutionary Genetics and Dysgenesis in a Naturally Occurring Hybrid Zone in Peromyscus leucopus

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Dr. Robert Baker, at Texas Tech University, is undertaking a multi-faceted study of a hybrid zone between two chromosomal races or subspecies of the white-footed deer mouse, Peromyscus leucopis, focused on hybrid dysgenesis. Preliminary data indicate that variation in DNA content and frequency of chromosomal aberrations is heightened in the hybrid zone. A goal of the research is to determine the genetic basis of this dysgenesis. This will be accomplished by controlled genetic crosses in the laboratory and the comparison of measures of dysgenesis between the progeny of these crosses and measures made in naturally occurring populations. The distribution of two DNA sequences, K18 and mys will also be examined in parental and hybrid animals. Mys is a retrovirus-like transposable element and k18 is a satellite DNA associated with heterochromatic regions of chromosomes. Dr. Baker hypothesizes a relationship between DNA content variation, chromosomal aberrations, and changes in the genomic distributions of mys and k18 sequences, all resulting from hybrid dysgenesis. This study will provide insight to the genetic changes that occur as new species are formed.