Evolution of P Transposable Elements in Drosophila

拟议工作的总体目标是改善我们的 了解一个“跳跃基因”家族的进化 在果蝇中被称为“P元素”， 强调模式和频率的交配无关性， 这些元素在进化过程中的水平转移 苍蝇的血统 一个主要的焦点是调查是否 一种寄生螨可以作为 P元件遗传物质种间转移。 第二 主要焦点是比较P元素从一个代表 果蝇物种的样本，以研究频率和 P元素在该家族演化过程中的转移模式 苍蝇。 所采用的方法在很大程度上依赖于现代分子 基因技术 将使用混合物种种群笼 用于研究物种间的转移。 拟议的工作有 对更好地了解起源和 跳跃基因的进化及其进化意义 横向转移 它也可能提供迷人的新 深入了解分子之间的共同进化关系 寄生虫及其宿主

The overall objective of the proposed work is to improve our understanding of the evolution of a family of "jumping genes" called "P elements" in Drosophila fruit flies, with particular emphasis on the mode and frequency of mating-independent, horizontal transfer of these elements between evolutionary lineages of the flies. One major focus is to investigate whether a species of parasitic mites can act as a vector for interspecific transfer of P element genetic material. A second major focus is the comparison of P elements from a representative sample of Drosophila species, in order to study the frequency and pattern of P element transfer during the evolution of this family of flies. The methods to be employed rely heavily on modern molecular genetic techniques. Mixed species population cages will be used for the study of interspecies transfer. The proposed work has potential significance for better understanding the origin and evolution of jumping genes and the evolutionary significance of horizontal transfer. It may also provide fascinating new insights into molecular coevolutionary relationships between parasites and their hosts.