Collaborative Research: Genetic Architecture of Thermal Selection in Drosophila

温度是影响生物生存和繁殖的最重要的环境变量之一。这项研究计划的目的是确定特定的基因，这些基因是适应不同温度机制的基础。初步研究结果表明，果蝇对高温胁迫的抗性进化迅速，影响这一特性的关键基因位于X染色体上。将使用三种方法来鉴定所涉及的特定基因：1)在不同温度下的人工选择，2)与选择反应相关的染色体区域的精细分子遗传图谱，以及3)所定位的基因与自然界中纬度温度变化的确证。黑腹果蝇是这类工作的理想系统，它提供了丰富的遗传和基因组工具。PI拥有不同的专业领域，并在该项目上进行合作。这项研究将证明适应气候变化的遗传基础，并可能为害虫物种入侵新地区时的管理提供重要的见解。这项研究支持本科生的研究以及研究生和博士后研究员的培训。PI将提供关于科学研究如何将遗传学与国际关注的环境问题联系起来的公开讲座。高中生将通过William&Amp；Mary和Brown的暑期强化计划参与这项研究。

Temperature is one of the most important environmental variables affecting the survival and reproduction of organisms. This research program aims to identify specific genes that underlie adaptation to distinct thermal regimes. Preliminary results have shown that the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster rapidly evolves resistance to high temperature stress, and that key genes affecting this trait are located on the X chromosome. Three approaches will be used to identify the specific genes involved: 1) artificial selection at distinct temperatures, 2) fine scale molecular genetic mapping of the chromosomal regions associated with the selection response, and 3) corroboration of the mapped genes with latitudinal temperature variation in nature. Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal system for such work, offering a wealth of genetic and genomic tools. The PI's have different areas of expertise and are collaborating on the project. This study will demonstrate the genetic basis of adaptation to a changing climate and may offer important insights into the management of pest species as they invade new areas. This study supports research by undergraduates and the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The PI's will offer public lectures on how scientific research links genetics with environmental issues of international concern. High school students will participate in the research through summer enhancement programs at William & Mary and at Brown.