The molecular basis of reproductive isolation

描述(申请人提供)：这项研究的目的是确定有助于模式植物Physcomitrella patens与其野生近缘Physcomitrium Priforme之间的生殖隔离的相互作用基因。传统遗传学和现代基因组学方法的结合将被用来识别在杂交遗传背景下无法正确相互作用的基因。功能基因座之间的这种不适应的相互作用可能会导致人类的各种复杂疾病。Patens模型提供了一个简单的遗传系统，在这个系统中可以很容易地操纵和研究多位点相互作用的分子遗传学。识别复杂性状的分子变异，如生殖隔离，为研究适应和物种形成的具体机制开辟了几条新的途径。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This research is aimed at identifying interacting loci that contribute to reproductive isolation between the model plant Physcomitrella patens and its wild relative Physcomitrium pyriforme. A combination of classical genetic and modern genomic approaches will be used to identify genes that fail to interact properly in a hybrid genetic background. Such maladaptive interactions among functional loci may contribute to a wide variety of complex diseases in humans. The P. patens model provides a simple genetic system where the molecular genetics of multilocus interactions can be easily manipulated and studied. The identification of molecular variants underlying complex traits, like reproductive isolation, opens several new avenues of research into the specific mechanisms of adaptation and speciation.