Transposable elements, or jumping genes, are powerful engines of genome evolution that drive changes in our genetic makeup over time. They play a role in reshaping how our genes work and even creating new functions in our cells. Their capacity to induce substantial genetic modifications through insertions makes short-term effects of the mobility of Transposable elements particularly noteworthy. Yet, our comprehension of the role of ongoing transposition plays in intra-species diversity remains limited. The intricacies of transposable elements, characterised by their repetitive nature, pose challenges for analysis. Furthermore, the infrequent nature of transposable element mobilization often results in the oversight of new insertions in small-scale population studies. Consequently, a major challenge in genomics involves elucidating the circumstances governing natural transposition and its diverse outcomes. While most insertions likely possess neutral or detrimental effects, the premise that transposable elements activity can be environmentally responsive suggests that transposition might serve as a significant genomic adaptive mechanism in response to environmental shifts.
Drawing on extensive experimental and wild populations of the model plant species Aarabidopsis thaliana, this project employs innovative genomic, molecular genetics, and eco-evolutionary strategies to build a Genetic x Environmental (GxE) map of heritable transposition and its contributions to adaptive variation formation.
On the one hand we are identifying the genetic and environmental factors influencing transposable element's mobilization. To this end, we quantify the rate of appearance of inherited insertions within numerous genetically distinct individuals exposed to an array of environmental stressors. On the other hand, we investigate how new insertions impact the plants' overall health and ability to live and reproduce in complex environments, with especial focus on assessing their potential contribution to facilitate adaptation to drastic environmental changes such as global warming.
In essence, our research pursuits revolve around unraveling the mysteries of transposable elements, understanding their dynamics, and exploring their impact on the adaptive strategies of organisms within a changing world.
The outcomes of this research endeavour promise to enhance our comprehension of the genetic diversity attributed to transposable elements and our capacity to predict the impact of ongoing transposition, particularly in the context of ongoing climate change.
