Collaborative Research: Molecular Adaptation and Gametic Competition

大量的实验室研究表明，相对较少的雄性和雌性生殖蛋白在决定配子的差异成功中起关键作用。这些分子调节着复杂的通信，可能是雄性和雌性生殖利益之间的拮抗相互作用。人们对这些相互作用的分子基础及其在野外的相对重要性知之甚少。本研究将确定雄性和雌性相互作用的遗传基础，确定基因型和表型之间的关联如何在雄性竞争对手？S基因型不同，并直接鉴定哪些雄性生殖基因介导雄性与雄性之间的相互作用。这项研究还将调查交配状态如何在白天、季节、密度和雌性基因型的功能中变化，并允许对自然中基因型和表型变异之间的关系进行最直接的测试。在其更广泛的影响中，这项研究将通过直接参与研究项目，让他们参与荣誉项目，给他们机会在国际会议上展示成果，并激励他们追求科学研究的职业生涯，从而激励各种各样的本科生。这项研究还将产生共享的基础设施，包括大量公开可用的果蝇培养，以及一个公开可用的贝叶斯估计器，用于使用群结构数据进行关联测试。

Extensive laboratory research indicates that a relatively small number of male and female reproductive proteins play key roles in determining differential success of gametes. These molecules are regulating complex communications in what may be antagonistic interactions between male and female reproductive interests. Little is known about the molecular basis for these interactions and their relative importance in the wild. This study will identify the genetic basis for male-male and male-female interactions, determine how associations between genotype and phenotype vary when the male competitor?s genotype varies, and directly identify which male reproductive genes mediate male x male interactions. This study also will investigate how mating status varies across the day, the season, densities and as a function of the female genotype and allow the most direct tests possible of the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic variation in nature.Among its broader impacts, this study will inspired a diverse collection of undergraduates through direct participation in research projects by engaging them in honors projects, giving them opportunities to present results at international meetings, and motivating them to pursue careers in scientific research. This study also will produce shared infrastructure, including a large number of Drosophila cultures that are openly available, and a publicly available Bayesian estimator for association testing using brood-structured data.