DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Evolutionary Genomics of piRNA-Mediated Transposon Silencing in Drosophila

这项研究的目的是了解自私的DNA ?寄生虫？受寄主控制可能导致物种间的生殖隔离。转座因子（te）是DNA的短片段，具有在宿主基因组中插入和延续自身的能力。当TE插入破坏宿主基因的功能时，对宿主可能是有害的。被称为pirna的小rna分子最近被证明是宿主在卵细胞和精子细胞形成过程中控制TEs增殖的重要途径。本研究将对三种亲缘关系密切的果蝇中pirna和TEs的联合进化速率进行表征。该项目旨在：(1)确定这些物种中piRNA的序列，(2)测量TE多样性，(3)鉴定已知对piRNA抑制系统重要的快速进化蛋白。包括癌症在内的几种人类遗传疾病与TE动员有关。了解pirna介导的TE防御的进化可能有助于有效治疗人类遗传疾病。此外，这项研究将为本科生和高中生提供基因组学和生物信息学新兴领域的培训机会。

The goal of this research is to understand how ongoing conflict between selfish DNA ?parasites? and control by their host may result in reproductive isolation between species. Transposable elements (TEs) are short fragments of DNA that have the ability to insert, and perpetuate themselves, throughout a host genome. TE insertions can be deleterious for the host when they disrupt the function of the host genes. Small-RNA molecules called piRNAs have recently been shown to be an important way for the host to control the proliferation of TEs during the formation of egg and sperm cells. This research will characterize the rate of joint evolution of piRNAs and TEs in three closely-related species species of fruit flies. The project aims to: (1) determine the sequence of piRNAs in these species, (2) measure TE diversity, and (3) identify the rapidly evolving proteins that are known to be important for the piRNA suppression system.Several human genetic diseases, including cancer are associated with TE mobilization. Understanding the evolution of piRNA-mediated TE defense may aid in the effective treatment for human genetic diseases. Additionally, this research will provide training opportunities for undergraduate and high school students in the emerging areas of genomics and bioinformatics.