CAREER: Investigating the evolution of gene regulation at Drosophila Hox genes

职业：研究果蝇 Hox 基因的基因调控进化

• 批准号: 1445576
• 负责人: Robert Drewell
• 金额: $ 21.21万
• 依托单位: Clark University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2014
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2014-06-01 至 2017-01-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1445576&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: CAREER; Investigating; evolution; gene; regulation

A key issue in modern biology is to understand how the complex development of an organism is regulated at the molecular level. The model fruit fly system (Drosophila melanogaster) studied in Dr. Drewell's laboratory is particularly well suited to this type of research. In the last decade a number of Drosophila genomes have been completely sequenced, allowing us to begin analyzing the function and evolution of genetic regulatory regions. The experiments in this project will use a combination of molecular, genetic and computational approaches to examine the interacting network of DNA regulatory sequences at critical developmental genes, the Hox genes. As the correct pattern of expression of the Hox genes is essential for the control of cell identities in the developing embryo in all animals, the results will have very broad significance.Dr. Drewell is an investigator at Harvey Mudd College (HMC). This project will build on the strong tradition of excellence in undergraduate research and education at HMC. Active engagement of undergraduates in research will be an integral part of the success of this project. Special attention will continue to be given to recruiting female, minority and first-generation college student researchers, who are currently highly represented in Dr. Drewell's laboratory. An additional major goal is to develop courses and tools for biology education by synthesizing a strong interdisciplinary curriculum in molecular and developmental biology, genetics and evolution in the Biology department at HMC.

现代生物学的一个关键问题是了解如何在分子水平上调控生物体的复杂发育。 Drewell 博士实验室研究的模型果蝇系统（Drosophila melanogaster）特别适合此类研究。 在过去的十年中，许多果蝇基因组已被完全测序，使我们能够开始分析基因调控区域的功能和进化。 该项目的实验将结合分子、遗传和计算方法来检查关键发育基因 Hox 基因上 DNA 调控序列的相互作用网络。 由于 Hox 基因的正确表达模式对于控制所有动物发育胚胎中的细胞身份至关重要，因此该结果将具有非常广泛的意义。德鲁尔 (Drewell) 是哈维穆德学院 (HMC) 的一名研究员。 该项目将建立在 HMC 本科生研究和教育的卓越传统之上。 本科生积极参与研究将是该项目成功的一个组成部分。 将继续特别关注招募女性、少数族裔和第一代大学生研究人员，目前这些人在 Drewell 博士的实验室中占有很高的比例。 另一个主要目标是通过综合 HMC 生物学系的分子和发育生物学、遗传学和进化方面强大的跨学科课程，开发生物学教育课程和工具。