RIG: Genetic mechanisms of detoxification in the cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis

食物资源的变化是物种适应和进化的一股有影响力的力量。这个项目的重点是嗜食果蝇对其食物来源(坏死性仙人掌)中的有毒化合物进行解毒的能力。莫杰文氏果蝇由四个寄主小种组成，每个小种专门研究一种不同的仙人掌品种。使用不同仙人掌作为食物资源的寄主种族在某些基因上存在差异，这些基因似乎在仙人掌专门化过程中发挥了作用。本项目的目的是通过使用实验室实验杂交将在一个寄主小种中发现的等位基因插入到另一个寄主小种中，并测量对坏死型仙人掌表现的影响，来量化两个候选解毒基因的寄主小种特异性等位基因的表现。改进资源专门化的遗传学知识将增加对适应和物种分化的遗传基础的理解。该项目将通过与加州少数族裔参与计划联盟的合作，为本科生提供基于研究的培训和指导。本科生将参加SACNAS和进化研究学会的会议，在那里他们将有机会与更多资深科学家互动，并展示他们的研究成果。

Shifts in food resources are an influential force in the adaptation and evolution of species. This project focuses on the ability of the cactophilic fruit fly, Drosophila mojavensis, to detoxify the toxic compounds that are found in its food resource (necrotic cacti). Drosophila mojavensis is composed of four host races, each of which specializes on a different cactus species. Host races that use different cacti as food resources differ in some genes that appear to have played a role in the cactus specialization. The aim of this project is to quantify the performance of host race-specific alleles of two candidate detoxification genes by using experimental laboratory crosses to insert alleles found in one host race into the other and measuring the effect on performance on necrotic cactus. Improved knowledge of the genetics of resource specialization will increase understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation and the differentiation of species. The project will provide research based training and mentoring to undergraduates through collaboration with the California Alliance for Minority Participation Program. Undergraduates will attend the SACNAS and the Society for the Study of Evolution Conferences, where they will have the opportunity to interact with more senior scientists and present the results of their research.