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Evolution of supergenes and the genetic basis of snail colour polymorphism

Objective

The concept of a supergene, proposed nearly 80 years ago, has become a hot topic in biology. Supergenes are clusters of several loci, each affecting a different morphological or behavioural trait; tight physical linkage and chromosomal inversions suppress recombination so that multiple phenotypic characters are inherited as a single locus. Supergenes play a crucial role in the maintenance of highly discrete adaptive phenotypes, eventually leading to reproductive isolation and speciation. Despite the panoply of complex polymorphisms presumably controlled by supergenes, molecular evidence for their existence is scarce, and the emergence of such genetic architecture is surprisingly poorly understood. The proposed project helps to fill this scientific gap by investigating the supergene that controls shell colour polymorphism in a classical model for ecological genetics and climate-induced evolutionary change, the land snail Cepaea nemoralis. In particular, I will 1) sequence and assemble the genome of C. nemoralis, and 2) identify the individual components of its supergene by linkage mapping in laboratory crosses and association mapping in natural populations. I will do this by taking advantage of the most recent technical breakthroughs in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Combining my extensive knowledge of animal coloration with my host laboratory's track record in biodiversity research and genomics, this project offers a unique
window into the evolution of supergenes and polymorphisms and provides the European research community with a valuable genomic resource. By uncovering the molecular basis of C. nemoralis supergene I will establish this species as a prominent European model in evolutionary developmental biology. This fellowship will not only allow me to expand my technical and analytical skills, but also enhance my transferable skills, helping me to re-establish myself as a researcher and pave a path through which I will reach professional maturity.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

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Coordinator

STICHTING NATURALIS BIODIVERSITY CENTER
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 177 598,80
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 177 598,80
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