Evolutionary Development of Gain-of-Function Stripes in Zaprionus indianus (2013)

Undergraduates: Brooke Wolford, Eric Earley

Faculty Advisor: Corbin Jones
Department: Biology

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The rich diversity of novel structures and features found in all living things, including humans, evolved from simpler forms. How genetically and developmentally this occurred remains enigmatic. My work investigates the molecular mechanisms and genetic changes behind the species-specific adaptations that give rise to this diversity. An example of new species-specific feature is the ¿racing stripes¿ of the fruit fly, Zaprionus indianus. I show that this species is an ideal model for analysis of the evolution of phenotypic novelty. Species identity was confirmed and whole genome sequencing was performed. I hypothesize this novel phenotype results from a mutation in an existing developmental gene. To test this hypothesis, I developed a mutagenesis scheme and performed a screen to identify the stripes¿ causal gene(s). I recovered a mutant that results in the disorganization of part of the stripe. This is the first step towards revealing the mechanism underlying this species¿ novel phenotype.