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Articles 1 - 5 of 5
Full-Text Articles in Genetics and Genomics
Mushroom Body-Specific Gene Regulation By The Swi/Snf Chromatin Remodeling Complex, Kevin Cj Nixon
Mushroom Body-Specific Gene Regulation By The Swi/Snf Chromatin Remodeling Complex, Kevin Cj Nixon
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Over the lifetime of an organism, neurons must establish, remodel, and maintain precise connections in order to form neural circuits that are required for proper nervous system functioning. Disruptions in these processes can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in genes encoding subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex have been implicated in ID, yet the role of this complex in neurons is poorly understood. In this project, I established cell-type specific methods to examine the effect of SWI/SNF subunit knockdowns on gene transcription and chromatin structure in the memory-forming neurons of …
The Fruitless Gene Influences Female Mate Preference In Drosophila, Tabashir A. Chowdhury
The Fruitless Gene Influences Female Mate Preference In Drosophila, Tabashir A. Chowdhury
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Species can arise as a result of reproductive barriers that prevent gene flow between diverging populations that force them to remain isolated from one another. Behavioural isolation is one of the earliest acting reproductive barriers determined by the evolution of mating preferences that prevent inter-specific matings. Several traits have been identified that contribute to behavioural isolation, but the genetic basis of interspecific female preference is yet to be determined. I used genetic mapping techniques to identify and confirm that the fruitless gene is affecting species-specific female rejection of interspecies males, contributing to the behavioural isolation between Drosophila melanogaster and D. …
Characterizing Mekk1: Candidate Behavioural Isolation Gene, Caryn Dooner
Characterizing Mekk1: Candidate Behavioural Isolation Gene, Caryn Dooner
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Behavioural isolation can occur due to divergence in aspects of courtship and mating, and can contribute to reproductive isolation. The purpose of this study is to determine how a gene, Mekk1, contributes to female rejection behaviour between D. melanogaster and D. simulans. Unique polymorphisms were identified within D. simulans Mekk1 that could contribute to behaviour, most of which are non-coding. Both transcripts of Mekk1 appear to be expressed at similar levels in D. simulans and D. melanogaster. These data also indicate that Mekk1 may be expressed in a specific region of the brain called the mushroom body, …
Cellular/Molecular Analysis Of Interspecies Sterile Male Hybrids In Drosophila, Rachelle L. Kanippayoor
Cellular/Molecular Analysis Of Interspecies Sterile Male Hybrids In Drosophila, Rachelle L. Kanippayoor
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Over time, genetic differences can accumulate between populations that are geographically separated. This genetic divergence can lead to the evolution of reproductive isolating mechanisms that reduce gene flow between the populations and, upon secondary contact, result in distinct species. The process of speciation is, thus, what accounts for the multitude of species that contribute to the rich biodiversity on Earth. Interspecies hybrid sterility is a postzygotic isolating mechanism that affects the development of hybrids, rendering them sterile. A notable trend, known as Haldane's Rule, describes that heterogametic individual (e.g. males in Drosophila) are more susceptible to sterility than homogametic …
Genetics Of Female Interspecific Mate Rejection In Species Of Drosophila, Ryan Calhoun
Genetics Of Female Interspecific Mate Rejection In Species Of Drosophila, Ryan Calhoun
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Speciation can occur when accumulated differences in mating behavior force diverging species to remain reproductively isolated from one another. A key determinant of behavioural isolation is the evolution of female mating preferences that prevent interspecific males from mating. However, no individual genes involved in species-specific preferences of females have yet been identified. Using various genetic mapping techniques available for studying strains and species of Drosophila, I identify candidate genes involved in D. simulans female discrimination against D. melanogaster males. One candidate gene in particular, Katanin-60, was selected for further characterization. Katanin-60 is a gene encoding a microtubule severing …