Projektbeschreibung
Die Evolution epigenetischer Modifikationen und ihre Rolle bei der Anpassung der Arten
Epigenetische Modifikationen sind chemische Veränderungen an Histonen und DNA, die bei der Regulierung der Genexpression eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Doch bisher ist weitgehend unklar, wie diese Modifikationen den Verlauf der Evolution beeinflussen. Im EU-finanzierten Projekt DECAF werden anhand des Modells der DNA-Methylierung stabil methylierte genetische Orte im Genom von Vögeln erforscht. Die Forschenden wollen außerdem herausfinden, welche selektiven Kräfte wie auf die Vielfalt der DNA-Methylierung in natürlichen Populationen wirken. Die Ergebnisse werden die Rolle methylierter Orte bei der Artendifferenzierung aufzeigen und völlig neue Informationen über die epigenetisch gesteuerte Anpassungsfähigkeit liefern.
Ziel
Epigenetics plays a fundamental role in the function and regulation of the genome. From an evolutionary viewpoint, a pressing question is whether epigenetic modifications are a source of adaptive variation. To answer this question substantial attention is being given to the epigenetic marks themselves, but surprisingly little is known about the evolutionary underpinnings of the genomic sites that anchor them. Using novel analytical and technical approaches, I want to address this fundamental knowledge gap. I will use the best understood epigenetic mark, DNA methylation, as a model and advance on recent findings in avian genome evolution, epigenetic inheritance and sequencing technology. This will enable me to pinpoint signatures of epigenetically driven adaptation. I have designed separate approaches at three different levels: (1) At the individual level, to identify stably methylated anchors in the avian germline with focus on a recently discovered germline-specific chromosome, (2) at the population level, to establish the selective forces acting on DNA methylation diversity in natural populations and (3) at the species level, to gain insight into how fast-mutating anchors of DNA methylation act as potential facilitators of species differentiation and barriers. Ultimately, by combining these three levels I will be able to pinpoint epigenetic anchors that are involved in molecular adaptation. The possible research outcomes will not only be valuable to evolutionary biologists and ecologists, but will also make fundamental contributions to molecular biology and possibly medical research, and will deepen our understanding of how epigenetic marks manifest themselves at the sequence level.
Wissenschaftliches Gebiet
Schlüsselbegriffe
Programm/Programme
Thema/Themen
Finanzierungsplan
ERC-STG - Starting GrantGastgebende Einrichtung
44227 Dortmund
Deutschland