DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Genetics of a hybrid incompatibility between Drosophila mauritiana and its sibling species

物种是与其他种群繁殖不相容的杂交个体的种群。因此，导致生殖不亲和性的基因，即所谓的物种形成基因，为新物种的起源提供了遗传基础。本项目的目的是定位和鉴定与约25万年前相互分化的三种果蝇之间的生殖不亲和性有关的物种形成基因：模拟果蝇、果蝇和毛果果蝇。这项工作的重点是对两个不相容的物种形成基因进行定位和表征：毛滴虫X染色体上的一种被称为HLX的因子，当与来自D.Simans和D.sechellia的一种不相容的常染色体因子(称为HLX的抑制子)结合时，会杀死杂交后代。物种形成基因的鉴定和分子特征将回答有关物种多样化早期阶段所涉及的遗传力的长期问题。该项目包括对本科生的培训和参与，以及调查员继续参与当地社区的公共宣传活动。

Species are populations of interbreeding individuals that are reproductively incompatible with other populations. Therefore, the genes that cause reproductive incompatibility, so-called 'speciation genes', provide the genetic basis of the origin of new species. The aim of this project is to map and identify speciation genes involved in reproductive incompatibility between three fruitfly species that diverged from one another ~250,000 years ago: Drosophila simulans, D. sechellia and D. mauritiana. The work focuses on mapping and characterizing two incompatible speciation genes: a factor on the D. mauritiana X chromosome, called hlx, kills hybrids when combined with an incompatible autosomal factor from D. simulans and D. sechellia, called Suppressor of hlx. The identification and molecular characterization of speciation genes will answer long-standing questions about the genetic forces involved in the early stages of species diversification. This project includes training and participation of undergraduate students, as well as the continuing participation of the investigators in public outreach in their local community.