Descrizione del progetto
L’evoluzione delle modificazioni epigenetiche e del loro ruolo nell’adattamento delle specie
Le modificazioni epigenetiche sono modificazioni chimiche su istoni e DNA e giocano un ruolo centrale nella regolazione dell’espressione genica. Tuttavia, si sa poco del modo in cui queste modificazioni cambiano nel corso dell’evoluzione. Il progetto DECAF, finanziato dall’UE, userà la metilazione del DNA come modello e studierà siti genetici stabilmente metilati nel genoma aviario. Gli scienziati sono interessati anche a comprendere e a stabilire le forze selettive che agiscono sulla diversità nella metilazione del DNA nelle popolazioni naturali. I risultati contribuiranno a rivelare il ruolo dei siti metilati nella differenziazione delle specie e forniranno informazioni senza precedenti sull’adattamento guidato epigeneticamente.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
ERC-STG - Starting GrantIstituzione ospitante
44227 Dortmund
Germania