Award details

Comparative evolution and development of a novel exaggerated sexual trait

Reference	COD15496
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Kevin Fowler
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Andrew Pomiankowski, Dr Hazel Smith
Institution	University College London
Department	Genetics Evolution and Environment
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	289,928
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	20/05/2002
End date	19/06/2005
Duration	37 months

Abstract

We will use evolutionary and developmental techniques to determine the identity and mode of action of the genes that underlie a novel sexually exaggerated trait (male eyespan in stalk-eyed flies). A panel of stalk-eyed fly species will be used to explain a) how and when in development the eye stalk is produced, b) the evolution of species differences in the degree of eyespan exaggeration and c) the developmental basis of sex differences in eyespan exaggeration. These objectives will be met by comparing gene expression patterns in the eye-antennal discs. We will investigate stalk-eyed fly homologues of genes known to act as regulators in Drosophila head development, and novel regulators identified using enhancer-trap and gene-trap lines. The results will provide insights into a) phenotypic novelty, b) sexual selection and c) male/female differences.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Comparative Development Initiative (COD) [2001]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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