The Life And Death Of Plant Genes

我最近的工作表明，与动物基因相比，许多植物基因在一个物种内表现出存在/缺失的变异，并伴有相关的性状变异。在这个项目中，我将通过比较芸苔科的基因组，包括模式拟南芥和芸苔作物物种，来探索基因出生和死亡的模型。通过比较许多基因组，我将了解新的基因是如何诞生的。我将建立模型，根据基因的物理环境、功能和表达来预测基因丢失的可能性。这个项目将建立在我们对植物遗传多样性的理解之上。本研究的预期结果包括基因诞生和丧失的关键基因组元件的鉴定以及植物品种改良的支持策略。

My recent work has demonstrated that in contrast to animal genes, many plant genes show presence/absence variation within a species, with associated trait variation. In this project, I will explore models of gene birth and death by comparing genomes of Brassicaceae, including the model Arabidopsis and Brassica crop species. By comparing many genomes I will learn how new genes were born. I will build models that predict the likelihood of gene loss based on a gene’s physical environment, function, and expression. The project will build on our understanding of plant genetic diversity. Expected outcomes of this research include the identification of key genomic elements in gene birth and loss and support strategies to improve plant cultivars.