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差别很大。在很短的进化时间尺度内，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。本项目的目的是测试关于染色体组织起源和进化的其他假设，以双翅蝇为模型系统。研究将集中在X染色体和Y染色体的遗传组成上。这些染色体对男性和女性之间的行为和生理差异负责，并且在基因含量方面是动态的。此外，初步研究表明，双翅蝇的X染色体是其他蝇类的常染色体，因此为研究新衍生的X染色体上基因含量和表达的进化提供了机会。该项目将利用先进的下一代技术来识别位于这些染色体上的完整基因目录及其在物种之间的运动。该项目是马里兰大学帕克分校（UMD）和美国自然历史博物馆（AMNH）的合作项目。该项目将大大提高我们对新染色体起源和进化的了解，并将通过产生将通过在线数据库提供的大量基因组资源来影响科学基础设施。两所院校将为各级学生提供培训机会。最后，外联活动将包括AMNH的高中生实习生和马里兰大学提供的高中教师系列研讨会。

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.