The Epigenetics of RNA Based Silencing and Transposon Control in Drosophila virilis

在有性物种中，被称为转座因子（te）的自私基因可以在基因组中传播，从而损害宿主。事实上，近40%的人类基因组是由这些元素组成的。虽然通常有害，但TEs与宿主有着复杂的共生关系。最近对植物、真菌和动物的研究表明，存在一种古老的、基于rna的免疫系统，可以保护它们免受这些自私基因的侵害。研究还表明，雌性生殖系在基因组防御中发挥着特殊作用，通过传递小的沉默rna来防止后代TE激活。这种形式的跨代免疫定义了一种新的遗传模式，但遗传沉默rna限制TE跨代增殖的机制尚不清楚。该项目的目标是确定遗传沉默rna如何保护后代的基因组。这将对我们理解表观遗传和突变现象产生广泛的影响。更广泛的影响：这个项目将提供跨学科研究的培训，在技术进步将以前不同的生物学领域结合起来的时候。目前实验室有两名本科生正在接受分子遗传学、进化遗传学、生物信息学和细胞遗传学的培训。堪萨斯大学坚定地致力于通过科学培训多样性办公室让代表性不足的群体参与生物学研究。该办公室目前协调五个联邦资助的NIGMS少数民族研究机会项目，该项目的一名本科生实习生由该办公室资助。另一个更广泛的影响还包括在YouTube上制作遗传学教学模块：http://www.youtube.com/user/GeneticsBlumenstiel。

In sexual species, selfish genes known as transposable elements (TEs) can spread within the genome to the detriment of the host. In fact, nearly 40% of the human genome is comprised of such elements. While generally harmful, TEs have a complex symbiotic relationship with their hosts. Recent studies in plants, fungi and animals have demonstrated the existence of an ancient, RNA-based immune system that protects against these selfish genes. Studies have also shown that the female germline plays a special role in genome defense by transmitting small silencing RNAs to ward against TE activation in the progeny. This form of trans-generational immunity defines a new mode of inheritance, but the mechanisms by which inherited silencing RNAs limit TE proliferation across generations are very poorly understood. The goal of this project is to determine how inherited silencing RNAs protect the genome of the offspring. This will have broad implications for our understanding of epigenetic and mutational phenomena.Broader Impact: This project will provide training in interdisciplinary research at a time when technological advances are joining previously disparate fields of biology. Two undergraduate students currently in the lab are being trained in molecular genetics, evolutionary genetics, bioinformatics and cytogenetics. The University of Kansas has a strong commitment to the participation of underrepresented groups in biological research through the Office for Diversity in Science Training. This office currently coordinates five federally funded NIGMS Minority Opportunities in Research programs and one undergraduate trainee for this project is funded through this office. An additional broader impact also includes the production of genetics teaching modules on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/GeneticsBlumenstiel.