DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Evolutionary Genomics of piRNA-Mediated Transposon Silencing in Drosophila

这项研究的目的是了解自私的DNA之间如何持续冲突？寄生虫？以及受宿主控制的能力，可能导致物种间的生殖隔离。转座因子（Transposable elements，TE）是一种能够在宿主基因组中插入并永久存在的DNA短片段。当TE插入破坏宿主基因的功能时，它们可能对宿主有害。最近已经证明，称为piRNA的小RNA分子是宿主在卵细胞和精子细胞形成期间控制TE增殖的重要方式。这项研究将描述三种密切相关的果蝇物种中piRNA和TE的联合进化速率。该项目旨在：（1）确定这些物种中piRNA的序列，（2）测量TE多样性，和（3）鉴定已知对皮尔纳抑制系统重要的快速进化的蛋白质。了解piRNA介导的TE防御的进化可能有助于有效治疗人类遗传疾病。此外，这项研究将为大学生和高中生提供基因组学和生物信息学新兴领域的培训机会。

The goal of this research is to understand how ongoing conflict between selfish DNA ?parasites? and control by their host may result in reproductive isolation between species. Transposable elements (TEs) are short fragments of DNA that have the ability to insert, and perpetuate themselves, throughout a host genome. TE insertions can be deleterious for the host when they disrupt the function of the host genes. Small-RNA molecules called piRNAs have recently been shown to be an important way for the host to control the proliferation of TEs during the formation of egg and sperm cells. This research will characterize the rate of joint evolution of piRNAs and TEs in three closely-related species species of fruit flies. The project aims to: (1) determine the sequence of piRNAs in these species, (2) measure TE diversity, and (3) identify the rapidly evolving proteins that are known to be important for the piRNA suppression system.Several human genetic diseases, including cancer are associated with TE mobilization. Understanding the evolution of piRNA-mediated TE defense may aid in the effective treatment for human genetic diseases. Additionally, this research will provide training opportunities for undergraduate and high school students in the emerging areas of genomics and bioinformatics.