The Genetic Signature of Adaptation in Heliconius erato

Heliconiuserato适应的遗传特征

基本信息

批准号：
0844244
负责人：
William McMillan
金额：
$ 65万
依托单位：
North Carolina State University
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
Continuing Grant
财政年份：
2009
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2009-03-01 至 2013-08-31
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0844244&HistoricalAwards=false
关键词：
Genetic Signature Adaptation Heliconius erato

项目摘要

Despite advances in genome technology, there is a lack of fundamental information on how DNA determines variation in traits within a species; this project specifically addresses this deficiency. The goal of this study is to identify the genetic changes that produce beneficial variation within a species and to understand how this variation arises. The study takes advantage of remarkable natural diversity and advances in genomic technology to finely characterize genetic variation within the genomic regions that are responsible for adaptive color-pattern differences in the wings of the Neotropical butterfly Heliconius erato. Replicate transition zones between butterfly lineages with differently adapted color patterns allow examination of extensive naturally occurring genetic variation. Butterfly wing patterns are an excellent system for understanding how complex structures are produced through development. Thus, this project not only will identify the specific regions responsible for beneficial variation, but also will link this genetic variation to the networks of genes that are responsible for patterning the wing. Gaining a mechanistic understanding of the links between genetic change, developmental processes, and the establishment of novel variation in traits contributes to understanding the origins of biodiversity and to predicting the responses of organisms to environmental change. The project also offers interdisciplinary training opportunities through engagement in research and exchange among labs, and includes outreach to middle school and high school teachers and students.

尽管基因组技术取得了进步，但缺乏有关DNA如何决定某个物种内部特征变化的基本信息。该项目专门解决了这一缺陷。这项研究的目的是确定在物种内产生有益变化的遗传变化，并了解这种变异的产生方式。该研究利用了显着的自然多样性和基因组技术的进步，可以很好地表征基因组区域内的遗传变异，这些遗传变异是导致新热带蝴蝶Heliconius Erato翅膀中适应性色彩图案差异的原因。复制蝴蝶谱系之间具有不同颜色模式的蝴蝶谱系之间的过渡区，可以检查广泛的天然遗传变异。蝴蝶翼模式是了解如何通过开发产生复杂结构的绝佳系统。因此，该项目不仅会确定负责有益变异的特定区域，而且还将这种遗传变异与负责对机翼构图的基因网络联系起来。了解遗传变化，发育过程和建立特征的新变化之间的联系有助于理解生物多样性的起源，并预测生物体对环境变化的反应。该项目还通过参与实验室的研究和交流提供跨学科的培训机会，包括向中学以及高中教师和学生提供宣传。