In the first half of the project we proceeded in the following five major points
1) Investigating Novel Plant Systems: We focused on eight distinct plant species that vary in their ploidy levels. These species vary in their ploidy level and include close relatives of well-known plants like Arabidopsis, important crops like Medicago and Vaccinium, timber trees like Alnus, and some lesser-known wild species like Cardamine, Alyssum, Mimulus, and Saxifraga. Our research extends beyond merely documenting ploidy variations; it delves into understanding the ecological distributions, population dynamics, and phylogenetic relationships among cytotypes and populations within each species.
2) Unraveling the Genomic Consequences: Whole genome duplication has subtle but pervasive effects on genetic variation across entire genomes. This influence is observed in both single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations in wild Arabidopsis species. We are extending this analysis to other species for which we have already collected genomic data to determine if these patterns hold true across the broad flowering plant diversity.
3) Adapting to Whole Genome Duplication: We have found that whole genome duplication can lead to the admixture of genes between different plant species, breaking down the barriers that typically keep them separate. This genetic exchange has played a crucial role in helping these plants adapt to the challenges posed by having extra copies of their genetic material, i.e. the WGD itself. This process of gene flow is a key driver of adaptation in our leading study species, Arabidopsis arenosa, and we are currently investigating the generality of the process in other plant species.
4) Adapting to Extreme Environments: We have conducted experiments on synthetic polyploid populations, when whole genome is experimentally doubled. These experiments have allowed us to explore how these plants evolve and adapt to extreme environments. Including both synthetic and closely related natural products of WGD (polyploids), we could separate the effect of genome duplication per se from later post-WGD evolution that happened in nature..
5) Theoretical Insights: We have developed theoretical models to understand how whole genome duplication influences the establishment and adaptive potential of plant populations. Interestingly, our findings challenge some of our initial expectations, revealing subtle effects of whole genome duplication on the evolutionary potential of plant populations.
