Genome Evolution, Traits, Adaptation
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Scientific Interest
Transposable element dynamics and recurrent whole genome duplication (polyploidy) are two major evolutionary processes shaping the structure and functioning of plant genomes. Following recent hybridization and genome duplication (i.e. allopolyploid speciation), the relative repetitive components of the merged and duplicated parental genomes play a central role in the subsequent species evolution. In the short term, hybridization and allopolyploidy entail epigenetic reprogramming and gene expression changes (collectively referred to genomic or transcriptomic “shocks”). Recent studies reveal that both structural genome dynamics and gene expression evolution contribute to the long-term genome fractionation and diploidization processes. We are exploring such processes using comparative approaches on polyploid plant systems at different evolutionary time scales (i.e. neopolyploids, mesopolyploids and paleopolyploids). Most particularly, we aim at understanding the effects of differentiated genome merger (interspecific hybridization) and genome duplication on epigenetic reprogramming, gene expression evolution in the context of rapid species expansion (e.g. invasive species), with particular interest on functions of ecological interest that are potentially affected.
Transposable element dynamics and recurrent whole genome duplication (polyploidy) are two major evolutionary processes shaping the structure and functioning of plant genomes. Following recent hybridization and genome duplication (i.e. allopolyploid speciation), the relative repetitive components of the merged and duplicated parental genomes play a central role in the subsequent species evolution. In the short term, hybridization and allopolyploidy entail epigenetic reprogramming and gene expression changes (collectively referred to genomic or transcriptomic “shocks”). Recent studies reveal that both structural genome dynamics and gene expression evolution contribute to the long-term genome fractionation and diploidization processes. We are exploring such processes using comparative approaches on polyploid plant systems at different evolutionary time scales (i.e. neopolyploids, mesopolyploids and paleopolyploids). Most particularly, we aim at understanding the effects of differentiated genome merger (interspecific hybridization) and genome duplication on epigenetic reprogramming, gene expression evolution in the context of rapid species expansion (e.g. invasive species), with particular interest on functions of ecological interest that are potentially affected.
Thematic