Dissertation Research: The Developmental basis of Convergent Evolution

本研究探讨了果蝇属色素沉着差异的遗传基础。这是将果蝇色素沉着发展为进化元模型的努力的一部分。建立元模型对于阐明进化中的一般规则是必要的。它们测试某些特征和基因网络是否以可复制的方式进化。在此之前，我们已经确定了一个物种对中与颜色图案进化有关的区域，并正在对这些基因进行鉴定。这笔拨款将通过资助对另一对物种中涉及色素沉着差异的染色体区域的分析来改进本论文。这种比较成分对于形成对这个系统中趋同进化动力学的公正理解是不可或缺的。元模型正在一些系统中被积极地开发，比如棘鱼和老鼠。这些努力都不能解释网络结构对形成并行进化动力学的影响。在果蝇中，这是可能的，尽管不是全部，但大多数通路中的基因已经被表征。此外，除了其科学价值之外，这项研究还为研究培训提供了机会，并包括了来自代表性不足群体的个人。这个实验室的本科生继续读研究生，并参加了地方和国家的研究研讨会。这项研究也被用于制定促进参与式学习和改善生物教育的课程计划。

This research investigates the genetic basis of pigmentation differences in fruit flies of the genus Drosophila. It is a part of an effort to develop Drosophila pigmentation as an evolutionary metamodel. Established metamodels are necessary for the elucidation of any general rules in evolution. They test whether certain traits and gene networks evolve in a reproducible fashion. Previously the regions involved in color pattern evolution in one species pair were identified, and the genes are in the process of being characterized. This grant will improve this dissertation through funding an analysis of the chromosomal regions involved in pigmentation differences in an additional species pair. This comparative component will be integral to the formation of an unbiased understanding of the dynamics of convergent evolution in this system.Metamodels are being actively developed in several systems, such as sticklebacks and mice. None of these endeavors account for the effect of network structure in shaping the dynamics of parallel evolution. Within Drosophila this is possible as most, though not all, genes in the pathway have been characterized. Furthermore--in addition to its scientific merit--this research generates opportunities for training in research and includes individuals from underrepresented groups. Undergraduates from this lab have continued on to graduate school and participated in local and national research symposia. This research is also being used to develop to develop lesson plans that promote engaged learning and improve biology education.