Evolution of P Transposable Elements in Drosophila

这项拟议工作的总体目标是提高我们对果蝇中一种名为“P元素”的“跳跃基因”家族进化的理解，特别强调这些元素在果蝇进化谱系之间不依赖于交配的水平转移的模式和频率。一个主要的焦点是调查一种寄生螨类是否可以作为P元素遗传物质的种间转移的载体。第二个主要焦点是比较具有代表性的果蝇样本中的P元素，以研究该家族进化过程中P元素转移的频率和模式。所采用的方法在很大程度上依赖于现代分子遗传学技术。混合种群笼子将用于物种间转移的研究。这项工作对于更好地理解跳跃基因的起源和进化以及水平转移的进化意义具有潜在的意义。它还可能为寄生虫和它们的宿主之间的分子共同进化关系提供引人入胜的新见解。

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.