DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Genetics of colorful pigmentation in Anolis lizards

动物的彩色色素沉着在社会信号、交配行为、警告色和模仿中很重要，但对其遗传基础和进化知之甚少。本研究探讨了基因的进化和基因表达参与变色的阿诺利斯蜥蜴。 这些蜥蜴是研究颜色进化的理想群体，因为它们有近400种，它们表现出各种明亮的颜色，特别是红色和橙色。许多种类的阿诺利斯已经进化出类似的彩色色素沉着，虽然他们不是近亲;这意味着类似的模式已经独立进化了多次。这项研究将确定基因和遗传途径与彩色色素在9种阿诺利斯，重点是基因参与生产红色和橙子色素，这是阿诺利斯颜色模式的重要组成部分。由于这些红色和橙子色素是从节肢动物到脊椎动物等多种动物的主要着色成分，因此这项研究将对理解形态多样性的进化产生深远的影响。作为这项研究的一部分，本科生将接受各种实地和实验室研究方法的培训。由于颜色变化提供了一个引人注目的进化例子，这项研究的结果可能会影响公众对进化的理解。这项研究的结果将在哈佛自然历史博物馆的进化生物学展览中展出，从而接触到广大的教育工作者、学生和公众。

Colorful pigmentation in animals is important in social signaling, mating behavior, warning coloration and mimicry, but little is known about its genetic basis and evolution. This study examines the evolution of genes and gene expression involved in the coloration of Anolis lizards. These lizards are an ideal group in which to study the evolution of color because there are nearly 400 species and they show a variety of bright colors, particularly in the reds and oranges. Many species of Anolis have evolved similar colorful pigmentation although they are not close relatives; this means that similar patterns have evolved independently multiple times. This study will identify genes and genetic pathways associated with colorful pigmentation in nine species of Anolis, with an emphasis on genes involved in the production of red and orange pigments which are important components of Anolis color patterns. Because these red and orange pigments are major components of coloration in a wide range of animals, from arthropods to vertebrates, this study will have far-reaching impact on understanding the evolution of morphological diversity.As part of this research undergraduates will be trained in a variety of field and laboratory research methods. Because color variation provides a striking example of evolution, the results of this study could influence public understanding of evolution. The results of this study will be featured in exhibits on evolutionary biology at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, thereby reaching a broad audience of educators, students, and the general public.