The evolution of form is one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of multicellular life. From the vast array of colors in nature to the changes that brought about the human race from primates, we are confronted with its aftereffects on a daily basis. A particularly important question is how the multiple components of a genetic program are modified to create a new trait. The patterned pigmentation of Drosophila wings presents an exceptional opportunity to dissect the evolution of multigene networks in the origin of complex traits.
The aim of this proposal is to identify genes involved in the melanin synthesis pathway which contribute to the evolution of new pigment patterns, and understand how they were co-opted. Once identified, the molecular underpinnings of how each gene has attained a new activity will be explored. A panel of potential genes will be analyzed for expression associated with patterned areas. Using transgenesis of Drosophila melanogaster, the basis of each positive candidate's new activity will be defined. Finally, the sufficiency of identified components will be tested by ectopic expression in a species whose wings are unpatterned. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM078972-01
Application #
7157906
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08-G (20))
Program Officer
Haynes, Susan R
Project Start
2006-07-01
Project End
2009-06-30
Budget Start
2006-07-01
Budget End
2007-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$43,996
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Rebeiz, Mark; Jikomes, Nick; Kassner, Victoria A et al. (2011) Evolutionary origin of a novel gene expression pattern through co-option of the latent activities of existing regulatory sequences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108:10036-43
Rebeiz, Mark; Pool, John E; Kassner, Victoria A et al. (2009) Stepwise modification of a modular enhancer underlies adaptation in a Drosophila population. Science 326:1663-7
Rebeiz, Mark; Ramos-Womack, Margarita; Jeong, Sangyun et al. (2009) Evolution of the tan locus contributed to pigment loss in Drosophila santomea: a response to Matute et al. Cell 139:1189-96
Jeong, Sangyun; Rebeiz, Mark; Andolfatto, Peter et al. (2008) The evolution of gene regulation underlies a morphological difference between two Drosophila sister species. Cell 132:783-93