RIG: Genotype-specific Fertilization Success: A Test of the Hypothesis of Reinforcement in the Rapid Evolution of a Reproductive Protein

RIG：基因型特异性受精成功：生殖蛋白快速进化强化假设的检验

• 批准号: 0818661
• 负责人: Matthew Gilg
• 金额: $ 17.44万
• 依托单位: University of North Florida
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-08-01 至 2011-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0818661&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: RIG; Genotype; specific; Fertilization; Success

Proteins involved in the binding of sperm and egg cells (gametes) during fertilization are known to be some of the fastest evolving and often differ greatly between species. These differences are thought to be the basis of some reproductive incompatibilities between species, and potentially between members of the same species. The goal of this study is to determine how natural selection causes the rapid accumulation of changes in the structure of gamete binding proteins. This will be accomplished by conducting a suite of fertilization experiments between mussels that differ from each other at the sperm protein M7 lysin. Also, the geographical distribution of different versions of M7 lysin in mussel populations throughout Europe and the Mediterranean will be assessed.The results of this study will add important information for understanding the process by which populations become reproductively isolated, and the mechanisms underlying successful fertilization in general. Both graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in the project and all will be from groups currently underrepresented in the sciences. This experience will provide these students with a platform to start their careers in scientific fields.

已知在受精过程中涉及精子和卵细胞（配子）结合的蛋白质是最快发展的某些蛋白质，并且在物种之间通常差异很大。这些差异被认为是物种之间以及同一物种成员之间一些生殖不兼容的基础。这项研究的目的是确定自然选择如何导致配子结合蛋白结构变化的快速积累。这将通过在贻贝之间进行一系列受精实验来实现，这些实验在精子蛋白M7赖氨酸上彼此不同。同样，将评估不同版本的M7赖蛋白在整个欧洲和地中海的贻贝种群中的地理分布。这项研究的结果将添加重要信息，以理解种群繁殖分离的过程，以及成功受精成功的机制。研究生和本科生都将参与该项目，所有这些都来自科学中目前人数不足的小组。这种经验将为这些学生提供一个在科学领域开始职业的平台。