Chromosome evolution: Models and tests

基因组研究最近发现，染色体通常以惊人的速度进化。人们对导致这些变化的进化力量知之甚少。这项研究将使用数学模型和统计分析相结合的方法来研究这些力量。有三个具体的研究主题：(1)解释一对染色体决定性别的快速进化变化的模型(例如鲑鱼和罗非鱼)；(2)解释染色体数量和基因排列如何随着进化时间的变化而变化的模型；(3)对果蝇一种新基因排列的数据进行统计分析，以检验这些模型。除了对基础科学的贡献外，该项目还将产生五种影响。首先，它将阐明人类基因组的历史，人类基因组经历了实质性的染色体进化。其次，它将提供关于病媒(特别是传播疟疾的蚊子)如何适应人类并因此变得更具毒性的关键见解。第三，该项目将开发和分发用于广泛遗传分析的计算机软件。第四，该项目将培养本科生、研究生和博士后层次的年轻科学家，并为他们提供与国外合作者合作的机会。第五，这项研究将在美国、英国、澳大利亚、瑞士和法国的实验室之间建立国际合作伙伴关系。

Genome research has recently revealed that chromosomes often evolve at astounding rates. The evolutionary forces responsible for these changes are very poorly understood. This research will study those forces using a combination of mathematical models and statistical analyses. There are three specific research themes: (1) models to explain rapid evolutionary changes in which a pair of chromosomes determines sex (seen for example in salmon and tilapia), (2) models to explain how chromosome number and gene arrangement change over evolutionary time, and (3) statistical analyses of data on a new gene arrangement in Drosophila that will test the models.The project will have five kinds of impact beyond its contributions to basic science. First, it will illuminate history of the human genome, which has experienced substantial chromosomal evolution. Second, it will provide key insights regarding how disease vectors (notably the mosquitoes that transmit malaria) have adapted to humans and thus become more virulent. Third, the project will develop and distribute computer software useful for a wide range of genetic analyses. Fourth, the project will train young scientists at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels and will give them opportunities to work with collaborators abroad. Fifth, the research will develop international partnerships between laboratories in the US, the UK, Australia, Switzerland, and France.