cis-Regulatory Architecture of Adaptive Radiation

决定基因在何处、何时以及以何种程度表达的DNA序列被称为顺式调控元件。据估计，在人类基因组中，这些元素的数量超过了20倍的基因，而且越来越清楚的是，我们在自然界中看到的许多形态多样性都与这些元素的变异有关。对于复杂和简单的性状，对于种群内部和种群之间的变异，对于微观和宏观进化时间尺度上的变化，都是如此。尽管生物性状的变化通常可以追溯到基因组中的这些元素，但相对于基因组的蛋白质编码序列，人们对它们的了解仍然很少。该项目旨在更好地理解调控因素如何驱动复杂性状的适应。具体来说，该研究将描述驱动蝴蝶翅膀图案颜色适应性进化的顺式调控结构，这是一个有机体系统，已成为理解适应基因组动力学的重要模型。这项研究将解决几个基本问题，包括：(1)如何围绕控制快速进化、高度可变性状的基因构建调控元件？(2)在复杂形态的适应性辐射过程中，调控元件的结构和活性是如何进化的？(3)形态学上的相似性在多大程度上受调控元件相似性的控制？这项工作还将有助于开发和适应重要的新功能基因组学技术，以促进跨物种顺式调控元件的更广泛研究。该项目还将通过制作IMAX纪录片来吸引公众，该纪录片将结合蝴蝶翅膀发展的定格动画。

DNA sequences that act to determine where, when, and to what degree genes are expressed are called cis-regulatory elements. It is estimated that these elements outnumber genes over 20 to 1 in the human genome, and it is becoming increasingly clear that much of the morphological diversity we see in nature is related to variation in these elements. This is true for both complex and simple traits, for variation within and between populations, and for changes at micro- and macro-evolutionary time scales. Although variation in the traits of organisms often traces to these elements within the genome, they remain poorly understood relative to protein-coding sequences of the genome. This projects seeks to gain a better understanding of how regulatory elements can drive the adaptation of complex traits. Specifically, the research will characterize the cis-regulatory architecture driving adaptive evolution of wing pattern coloration in Heliconius butterflies, an organismal system that has emerged as an important model for understanding the genomic dynamics of adaptation.This research will address several fundamental questions including: (1) How are regulatory elements structured around genes that control rapidly evolving, highly variable traits? (2) How does regulatory element structure and activity evolve during the adaptive radiation of complex morphologies? (3) To what degree is similarity in morphology controlled by similarity of regulatory elements? This work will also help develop and adapt important new functional genomics techniques to facilitate the broader study of cis-regulatory elements across species. This project will also engage the public through the production of an IMAX documentary film that will incorporate stop action animations of butterfly wing development.