GRK 2526:  GenEvo - Gene Regulation in Evolution: From Molecular to Extended Phenotypes

• Subject Area: Zoology ; Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 407023052

Natural selection changes allele frequencies based on phenotype performance, but the path from genotype to phenotype is complex and shaped by the regulation of gene activity. Genes are regulated via sequence and non-sequence-based mechanisms, including cis-elements and trans-acting transcription factors, non-coding RNAs, histone and DNA modifications, and other post-transcriptional / translational processes. Still, the relative importance of these regulatory mechanisms is largely unresolved, especially since they interact. The scientific goal of GenEvo is to understand the evolution of complex and multi-layered gene regulatory systems and their ability to produce adaptive phenotypes. We study how the interaction of genetic and epigenetic information shapes these phenotypes and how biotic and abiotic factors affect this process. We decipher the processes and significance of epigenetic inheritance and unravel how regulatory mechanisms themselves evolve. Transferring methods developed for classical models to other taxa allows us to integrate these studies in the ecological context of each organism, i.e., the setting in which natural selection operates. We are expanding our studies of extended phenotypes resulting from interspecific regulatory inference to investigate how cells, sexes and genomic elements can interfere with gene expression. Our ability to bring together researchers with an evolutionary and molecular biology focus is accelerating as GenEvo has seized the opportunity to recruit excellent scientists in our core research field. The integration of Humboldt Professor Hanna Kokko into our consortium allows us to link empirical data to theoretical models, with a particular focus on the evolutionary significance of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. GenEvo equips new generations of young researchers with the skills to integrate previously separate fields (evolution and gene regulation) from two angles (theoretical and experimental). Our training programme will continue to train PhD students in epigenetics, gene regulation, cutting-edge 'omics' techniques, bioinformatics, and evolution, now with an even stronger foundation in evolutionary theory - a unique combination. GenEvo is currently training 25 female and 14 male PhD students from 15 countries. Our students are supervised on several levels: by their interdisciplinary supervisors, their "PhD buddy" and a dedicated PhD committee. We provide a broad scientific training that goes beyond scientific lectures to practical courses on state-of-the-art methods as well as essential transferable skills, networking events, and summer schools. We have built a close-knit community to foster the exchange of ideas and provide young scientists with a springboard for a successful career. Taken together, GenEvo is educating new generations of interdisciplinary scientists whilst simultaneously pushing forward the field of gene regulation in evolution.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Spokesperson: Professorin Dr. Susanne Foitzik
• Participating Researchers: Joan Barau, Ph.D.; Professor Peter Baumann, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Joachim Burger; Thomas Joseph Colgan, Ph.D.; Professorin Meret Huber, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Ann Kathrin Huylmans; Claudia Isabelle Keller Valsecchi, Ph.D.; Professor René Ketting, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Hanna Kokko; Professorin Helen May-Simera, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Eva Wolf; Professor Shuqing Xu, Ph.D.