Evolution of Nematode Sex Determination

线虫性别决定的进化

• 批准号: 0414512
• 负责人: Eric Haag
• 金额: $ 37.5万
• 依托单位: University of Maryland, College Park
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-07-01 至 2008-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0414512&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Evolution; Nematode; Sex; Determination

ABSTRACTSex determination mechanisms vary wildly from phylum to phylum, even as evidence for their deep homology accumulates. This project uses the nematode genus Caenorhabditis to study how sex determination evolves over short time scales. It offers a well-characterized reference species (C. elegans), variation in sexual mode (androdioecy vs. gonochorism), and the first pair of closely related animal genome sequences. The project will develop C. briggsae as a true genetic system, which will enable precise comparisons with C. elegans. Two complementary approaches for identifying C. briggsae sex determination mutations are used: classical forward genetic screens based on phenotype and reverse genetic screens for deletion mutations via a PCR-based method. Together these approaches will help clarify how mating systems evolve, and whether the details of germline development are the same or different in two convergent hermaphroditic species. In addition, the project will contribute to the development of C. briggsae as a mature developmental genetic system. Undergraduate and graduate student participation is central to the project, ensuring that the training and mentoring of young scientists is a major component.

摘要 不同门的性别决定机制差异很大，即使其深层同源性的证据不断积累。该项目利用线虫属来研究性别决定如何在短时间内进化。 它提供了一个特征明确的参考物种（秀丽隐杆线虫）、性模式的变异（雌雄异株与雌雄异株）以及第一对密切相关的动物基因组序列。 该项目将把 C. briggsae 开发为一个真正的遗传系统，这将能够与秀丽隐杆线虫进行精确比较。 使用两种互补方法来识别 C. briggsae 性别决定突变：基于表型的经典正向遗传筛选和通过基于 PCR 的方法进行缺失突变的反向遗传筛选。 这些方法共同将有助于阐明交配系统如何进化，以及两个趋同雌雄同体物种的种系发育细节是否相同或不同。 此外，该项目还将有助于将 C. briggsae 发展为成熟的发育遗传系统。 本科生和研究生的参与是该项目的核心，确保年轻科学家的培训和指导是一个主要组成部分。