DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Outcrossing in a Self-Fertilizing Species, Adding the Caenorhabditis elegans Tool-Kit to the Outcrossing-Selfing Paradigm

自体受精被认为是进化的死胡同，因为它侵蚀了遗传变异，并导致近亲繁殖衰退。然而，偶尔的基因交换可能会减轻与永久自花受精相关的适合性后果，从而使主要自花受精的种群能够长期生存。这项研究将利用线虫模型线虫，通过包含突变的种群的实验进化来验证这一理论，这些突变改变了它们的交配系统动态。具体地说，将在突变率增加和适应新的致病环境的条件下评估永久自受精的稳健性和遗传交换的重要性。该项目将在适应和遗传保存的背景下评估个体间遗传交流的重要性。这些情况具有广泛的重要性，并对农业、养护和流行病学领域产生影响。此外，该项目将为有抱负的科学家和教育工作者提供宝贵的科学培训和经验，并通过直接参与科学进程为本科生研究人员提供多种指导机会。

Self-fertilization is believed to be an evolutionary dead-end because it erodes genetic variation and leads to inbreeding depression. However, occasional genetic exchange may alleviate the fitness consequences associated with perpetual self-fertilization, thus enabling the long-term survival of primarily self-fertilizing populations. This study will utilize the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, to test this theory using the experimental evolution of populations containing mutations that alter their mating system dynamics. Specifically, the robustness of perpetual self-fertilization and the significance of genetic exchange will be evaluated under conditions of increased mutation rate and adaptation to novel pathogenic environments. This project will evaluate the importance of genetic exchange between individuals within the context of adaptation and genetic preservation. These conditions are broadly important and have impacts on the fields of agriculture, conservation, and epidemiology. In addition, the project will provide valuable scientific training and experience for an aspiring scientist and educator and offer multiple opportunities for the mentorship of undergraduate researchers through direct participation in the scientific process.