Project 13 - Genetically Engineering Sex-Limited Chromosomes in Drosophila to Study the Evolution of Sexual Conflict
Applying for Summer 2025
Supervisors: Dr Philip Leftwich and Dr Karl Grieshop
School/Institute: School of Biological Sciences, UEA
Introduction: Did you know that the same gene can simultaneously help males thrive while hindering females, and vice versa? This is known as sexually antagonistic genetic variation and it plays a crucial role in evolution and maintaining the genetic diversity we observe in nature. However, the mechanisms behind this are still poorly understood, and our ability to study it is hindered by the ability to carry out selection studies at large scales.
Aims: This project aims to use genetic engineering to develop modified chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster that undergo sex-limited inheritance to identify and characterise regions of genetic trade-offs between males and females throughout the genome. In this role, the student will engage in the hands-on creation of novel genes through advanced genetic engineering that will produce chromosomes that evolve along male-only and female-only lineages. This will create a new model for studying what happens to evolution when one sex is free to evolve without consequence to the other.
Skills gained: During this placement the student will design and produce synthetic genes tailored for sex-specific expression and perform molecular cloning to prepare these genes for insertion into the Drosophila genome; they will learn cutting-edge CRISPR-Cas9 technology and AI machine learning for precise genetic modifications and a critical part of this work will be understanding gene regulation and alternative splicing, to control gene expression in males and females. By pioneering the creation of sex-limited chromosomes, this project offers the potential to improve our understanding of evolutionary dynamics and genetic diversity.
Through these tasks, the student will acquire essential skills in gene synthesis, molecular cloning, and genetic engineering while contributing to creating robust models for studying sexual conflict and sexual selection.
Beyond laboratory techniques, the student will have the opportunity to build practical skills in maintaining and studying Drosophila populations, gaining proficiency in handling a classic model organism. They will also be able to develop their bioinformatics skills and participate in genomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify regions of the genome that are suitable for benign insertion of transgenic constructs.
This research will build a novel genetic toolkit in the form of D. melanogaster lines. These fly lines will have broader implications in related fields such as wildlife management and public health, representing a highly valuable publicly available resource for researchers around the world. By uncovering the genetic underpinnings of sexually antagonistic selection, research projects making use of these genetic resources may identify novel gene targets for managing populations of agricultural pests or disease vectors and contribute to the development of therapies for sex-specific genetic diseases in humans. The students' contributions will be integral to advancing these scientific inquiries, allowing participation in meaningful and impactful research, and they will join a multidisciplinary team of evolutionary biologists, bioinformaticians, and molecular biologists.