Collaborative Research: Origin and Evolution of the X and Y Chromosomes in Stalk-eyed Flies

基因在染色体上的分布和组织在动物之间有很大的差异。在很短的进化时间内，染色体的数量和大小以及基因组成都会发生变化。此外，染色体位置可以影响基因的表达方式。该项目的目的是测试替代假说的起源和进化的染色体组织作为一个模型系统使用透辉石苍蝇。这项研究将集中在X和Y染色体的遗传组成上。这些染色体负责男性和女性之间的行为和生理差异，并且在基因内容方面是动态的。此外，初步研究表明，透辉石果蝇的X染色体是一个常染色体在其他苍蝇，因此，提供了一个机会，研究基因内容和表达如何演变的新衍生的X染色体。该项目将利用先进的下一代技术来确定位于这些染色体上的基因及其在物种之间的运动的完整目录。该项目代表了马里兰州大学帕克分校（UMD）和美国自然历史博物馆（AMNH）之间的合作。该项目将大大提高我们对新染色体的起源和进化的理解，并将通过在线数据库提供大量基因组资源，从而影响科学基础设施。将为这两个机构的各级学生提供培训机会。最后，外联活动将涉及AMNH的高中学生实习生和UMD提供的高中教师研讨会系列。

The distribution and organization of genes on chromosomes varies widely among animals. Chromosomes can change in number and size, as well as gene composition, over short evolutionary time scales. Furthermore, chromosome location can influence how genes are expressed. The aims of this project are to test alternative hypotheses for the origin and evolution of chromosome organization using diopsid flies as a model system. The research will focus on the genetic composition of the X and Y chromosomes. These chromosomes are responsible for much of the behavioral and physiological differences between males and females and are dynamic with respect to gene content. Also, preliminary research indicates that the X chromosome of diopsid flies is an autosome in other flies and, therefore, provides an opportunity to study how gene content and expression evolves on a newly derived X chromosome. The project will utilize advanced next-generation technology to identify a complete catalog of genes located on these chromosomes and their movements between species.This project represents a collaboration between the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). The project will substantially enhance our understanding of the origin and evolution of new chromosomes and will influence scientific infrastructure by generating substantial genomic resources that will be made available through online databases. Training opportunities will be provided for students at all levels at both institutions. Finally, outreach will involve high school student interns at the AMNH and a high school teacher seminar series offered at UMD.