Objective
Research objectives and content
The experimental study of the genetic basis of speciation is difficult for the simple reason that the tools of genetic analysis cannot usually be employed - since most interspecific hybrids are sterile. In Drosophila, recent work in the host institution has discovered ways of circumventing this problem. The experimental system will be the well known D. melanogaster and its three 'sibling species', D. simulans, D. mauritiana and D. sechellia. Although the divergence between D. melanogaster and its siblings is less than 2 million years, hybrids between them are normally sterile or lethal. Ashburner and colleagues have discovered genetic factors that can overcome both lethality (Hutter et al. 1990 Genetics 124:909-920) or sterility (Davis et al. 1996, Nature 380:157-159) in interspecific hybrids. These factors will allow a detailed analysis of the genetic differences that accompany speciation. This is the objective of this study. In addition, I will undertake a comparative analysis of transposable elements in these four species, taking advantage of the fact that those of D. melanogaster are now being very well characterised by the Drosophila genome sequencing projects.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
I will be trained in two important modern fields - classical genetics and molecular biology. I will also obtain a good training in modern evolutionary theory. I will, in particular, be trained in the techniques of gene cloning and characterisation, including sequencing and sequence analysis.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
There are few direct links to industry or industrial relevance. However, the training that I will receive will be of direct relevance to the biotechnology industry.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
CB2 3EH Cambridge
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.