Dissertation Research: Molecular Mechanisms of Phenotypic Variation in Heliconius Butterfly Wing Patterns

该项目的目的是探索发育调节机制在自然种群中产生变异的作用。为了研究这一主题，研究人员正在使用Heliconius蝴蝶作为从分子角度研究基因调控进化的系统。 Heliconius中的几个颜色模式基因允许区域种族参与适应性模仿行为，这些基因在色素生物合成途径中充当简单的开关。蝴蝶翅膀中产生色素的生物合成途径是众所周知的，这项研究将测试特定中间色素合成和运输基因调控的简单变化如何导致物种内和物种之间的翅膀图案变化。在机制层面上理解进化对于有效管理病原体和害虫物种的适应性抗性至关重要。对生物体如何在短时间内发展新的重要特征的遗传基础有一个基本的了解是有直接好处的。蝴蝶翅膀的模式提供了一个易于处理的模型系统，研究适应性遗传变化的人口水平。

The aim of this project is to explore the role that developmental regulatory mechanisms play in producing variation in natural populations. To study this topic, the investigators are using Heliconius butterflies as a system for studying the evolution of gene regulation from a molecular perspective. Several of the color pattern genes in Heliconius that allow regional races to participate in adaptive mimicry behavior act as simple switches in a pigment biosynthesis pathway. The biosynthetic pathways that produce pigments in butterfly wings are well known, and this research will test how simple changes in the regulation of specific intermediate pigment synthesis and transport genes may result in wing pattern variation within and between species. Understanding evolution at the mechanistic level is critical for effective management of, for instance, the adaptive resistance in pathogen and pest species. It is of immediate benefit to develop a basic understanding of the genetic basis of how organisms develop new significant characteristics over short time spans. Butterfly wing patterns provide a tractable model system for studying adaptive genetic change at the population level.