Descripción del proyecto
La evolución de las modificaciones epigenéticas y su papel en la adaptación de las especies
Las modificaciones epigenéticas son alteraciones químicas en las histonas y el ADN, y desempeñan un papel central en la regulación de la expresión genética. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la manera en que estas modificaciones cambian durante la evolución. El proyecto DECAF, financiado con fondos europeos, usará la metilación del ADN como modelo e investigará sitios genéticos metilados de forma estable del genoma aviar. Los científicos también están interesados en comprender y determinar las fuerzas selectivas que actúan en la diversidad de la metilación del ADN en poblaciones naturales. Los resultados permitirán desvelar el papel de los sitios metilados en la diferenciación de las especies y aportarán información sin precedentes sobre la adaptación impulsada por la epigenética.
Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-STG - Starting GrantInstitución de acogida
44227 Dortmund
Alemania