A new research initiative aims to broaden our understanding of how genes work in the evolution of animals. This research, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), will explore gene regulation across a diverse range of species, potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields like medicine and conservation.
The project, titled "New Genetic Model Systems: Cross-Species Comparison of the Function of Developmental Genes and Gene Networks (GönomiX)," will compare gene regulation in various animal groups, including beetles, earthworms, flatworms, snails, and jellyfish. The researchers will gather data on how genes are expressed and regulated in these different species. They will also study the function of specific genes.
The DFG is providing up to six million euros over the next five years to support this research. The team will focus on the development of heads across different species. They will investigate how gene networks have changed during the evolution of different head shapes. They will also study the role of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell communication, and how genetic changes have led to new physical traits, such as horns in beetles or snail shells.
The research team brings together experts from the University of Göttingen, including its Faculties of Biology and Psychology, Geosciences and Geography, University Medical Center Göttingen, and the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences. They will use advanced methods, including RNA interference (a technique to silence genes), single-cell gene sequencing, and genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9. The team also plans to develop new computer programs and artificial intelligence methods to compare genetic networks across vast evolutionary distances. Furthermore, they will examine how chromosomes are arranged within the cell nucleus in different animals and how this affects gene activity.
This initiative offers doctoral students a wide range of methods and expertise in the lab. They will learn molecular biology techniques, advanced imaging, and bioinformatics for analyzing genomic data and reconstructing genetic networks. This combination of skills will allow researchers to harness the power of genomics for scientific advancements, including improved pest control. The GönomiX team aims to contribute to these areas, benefiting both science and society.