Obiettivo When a phenotype evolves twice in independent lineages, are the underlying molecular mechanisms similar? In the case of similar pigmentation patterns that have arisen independently in two fruit fly species, Drosophila tristis and Drosophila biarmipes, the question, becomes: is there a unique genetic path to gain a pigmentation spot on the wing? Each pigmentation pattern is prefigured by the developmental expression of yellow, a gene necessary for the production of black pigments. In each case, yellow expression results from a novel enhancer, both enhancers sharing no homology. To understand how these new regulatory activities have independently emerged, we will first perform an RNAi screen to identify transcription factors controlling each enhancer. We will then characterize the candidate transcription factors identified, assess their genetic sufficiency and the directness of the regulatory link. We will evaluate the degree of convergence in the control of the activity of the two enhancers by closely comparing the relationship between their structure and their function. We will compare sequences between species that carry the regulatory activity and species that do not. We will identify in which context binding sites that convey the activity evolved (position, spacing, orientation). Moreover, we will distinguish among sites contributing permissive or instructive (spatio-temporal) input. This project tackles the open question of how a new regulatory activity emerges. The contribution of each input is key element to enhancer activity, and is hardly understood in any system. The model we use may represent a rare case where the evolution of a regulatory activity can be deciphered functionally.Our work will also address the question of the repeated evolution of complex traits, often associated to regulatory changes. We will assess the level of functional constraint that may channel the emergence of the same regulatory activity to the same molecular mechanisms. Campo scientifico natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturefruit growingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology Programma(i) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Argomento(i) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Invito a presentare proposte H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinatore LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN Contribution nette de l'UE € 159 460,80 Indirizzo GESCHWISTER SCHOLL PLATZ 1 80539 Muenchen Germania Mostra sulla mappa Regione Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 159 460,80
