RIG: Genetic mechanisms of detoxification in the cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis

食物资源的变化是影响物种适应和进化的重要因素。该项目重点研究了嗜钙果蝇（Drosophila mojavensis）对其食物来源（坏死仙人掌）中有毒化合物的解毒能力。mojavensis由四个寄主种族组成，每个种族都专门研究一种不同的仙人掌物种。使用不同仙人掌作为食物资源的宿主种族在某些基因上存在差异，这些基因似乎在仙人掌的特化中发挥了作用。本项目的目的是通过实验室杂交将一个寄主种族中的等位基因插入到另一个寄主种族中，并测量对坏死仙人掌性能的影响，从而量化两个候选寄主种族特异性等位基因的性能。资源专门化遗传学知识的提高将增加对适应和物种分化的遗传基础的了解。该项目将通过与加州少数民族参与联盟项目合作，为本科生提供基于研究的培训和指导。本科生将参加SACNAS和进化研究学会会议，在那里他们将有机会与更资深的科学家互动，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.