Objectif Our understanding of microbial genetic diversity in nature and how it relates to phenotypic divergence is extremely limited, including for social traits like those exhibited by myxobacteria. Relying on next-generation sequencing, the project proposed here seeks to quantify the roles that the forces of evolution play in shaping genomic and social divergence in natural populations of the model cooperative myxobacterium, Myxoccocus xanthus. First, I will use a global and spatially hierarchical collection of natural isolates spanning large metric scales to grasp both total and spatially partitioned genetic diversity in M. xanthus. Second, I will analyze genetic substitution patterns among these natural isolates, and quantify signals of selection and drift under special consideration of a “gold-standard” mutation rate estimate directly inferred from whole genome sequences of a large collection of lab evolved strains of M. xanthus. Third, I will link previously published phenotypic patterns in closely related natural isolates to their whole genome data to infer their underlying molecular mechanisms, and candidate mutations will be tested directly through construction of isogenic clones in the lab. This proposal offers me the excellent opportunity to receive cutting-edge training at one of Europe’s elite universities and will increase my level of scientific maturity and independence. It will also contribute European excellence in applying cutting-edge technologies to conceptually important questions. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinateur EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Contribution de l’UE € 192 622,20 Adresse Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Suisse Voir sur la carte Région Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Gregory Velicer (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
