RII Track-2 FEC: Genomic Logic Underlying Adaptive Morphological Divergence

该研究基础设施改善Track-2重点EPSCoR合作（RII Track-2 FEC）是波多黎各大学、b里约热内卢Piedras和密西西比州立大学之间的一个联合项目，旨在解决生物学中的一个基本问题：DNA的变化如何导致表型的变化？该研究利用蝴蝶种群的形态多样性和尖端的DNA测序方法来探索遗传变化如何影响翅膀图案的发育。目标是了解生物多样性背后的基因组变化和分子机制的类型，并为熟练的研究人员，创新者和教育工作者准备一个多样化的群体。教育活动包括现代化的本科生物学实验课程，PR和MS之间的学生交流，为早期职业教师和K-12教师提供基因组到表型组研讨会和其他专业发展研讨会，以及为K-12教师和学生提供研究经验机会。小组成员将开发一套双语（英语和西班牙语）课程，供中学使用，重点是基因组学和基因表达与调控，并解释自然多样性、适应和进化的概念，与下一代科学标准和管辖的教育部科学标准保持一致。技术描述波多黎各-里奥彼德拉斯大学和密西西比州立大学之间的合作项目旨在描述导致形态多样性进化的基因组变化和分子机制。利用蝴蝶翅膀颜色图案作为模型系统，通过解决以下问题来建立对基因型-表型关系的综合理解：1)与翅膀图案差异相关的DNA变化是什么？2)不同颜色图案发育的基因调控网络是什么？3)这些变化告诉我们形态多样化的本质是什么？通过DNA测序、染色质谱分析和基因组编辑，本研究对驱动新热带蝴蝶形态分化的遗传变化进行了深入的因果分析。本研究在群体遗传学、表观遗传学、基因调控和模式发育之间架起了桥梁，以解开发育进化的基因组逻辑，更好地了解形态多样性的起源。参与该项目的三名早期职业教师将由资深教师指导，并参加研究和教学研讨会。项目团队成员将在波多黎各和密西西比州合作开发教育材料和培训活动，涵盖大学预科、本科和研究生阶段的科学教育。

Non-technical descriptionThis Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaboration (RII Track-2 FEC) is a joint project between the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras and Mississippi State University that addresses a fundamental question in biology: How do changes in DNA result in changes in phenotype? The study leverages morphological diversity in butterfly populations and cutting-edge DNA sequencing methods to explore how genetic changes impact wing pattern development. The goals are to understand what type of genomic changes and molecular mechanisms underlie biological diversity and prepare a diverse group of skilled researchers, innovators, and educators. Educational activities include modernizing undergraduate biology laboratory courses, student exchanges between PR and MS, genome to phenome workshops and other professional development workshops for early career faculty and K-12 teachers, and research experience opportunities for K-12 teachers and students. The team members will develop a bilingual (English and Spanish) curriculum for use in secondary schools focused on genomics and gene expression and regulation and explain concepts of natural diversity, adaptation, and evolution that aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and jurisdictional Department of Education Science Standards.Technical descriptionThis collaborative program between the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and Mississippi State University aims to characterize the genomic changes and molecular mechanisms responsible for the evolution of morphological diversity. Butterfly wing color patterns are utilized as a model system to build an integrative understanding of genotype-to-phenotype relationships by addressing the following questions: 1) What are the DNA changes associated with wing pattern divergence? 2) What is the gene regulatory network underlying divergent color pattern development? and 3), What do these changes tell us about the nature of morphological diversification? Through DNA sequencing, chromatin profiling, and genome editing this study offers an in-depth cause-effect analysis of the genetic changes that drive morphological divergence in neotropical, Heliconius butterflies. This study bridges the gap between population genetics, epigenetics, gene regulation, and pattern development to disentangle the genomic logic of developmental evolution and better understand the origin of morphological diversity. Three early career faculty participating in this project will be mentored by senior faculty and participate in research and teaching workshops. The project team members will work collaboratively to develop educational materials and training activities that span pre-college, undergraduate, and post-graduate levels of science education in Puerto Rico and Mississippi.