This Week in Science at St. Olaf

Monday, Sept 28

Seminar: Genomics in model and nonmodel species
Dr. Suzanne McGaugh, Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota
RNS 410, 4:00PM

Genomic divergence and diversity is far more complicated between diverging species and populations than we previously recognized. Here, I will present data from two genome-wide datasets illustrating the utility of genomics to answer questions in biology. First, I will show large-scale signatures of natural selection throughout the genome. Next, I will show the impact chromosomal inversions can have on shaping species diversity and divergence relative to genome-wide patterns. Finally, I will present new data using cavefish has a model system for population genomics. Cavefish populations, Astyanax mexicanus(Teleostei: Characiphysi), exhibit repeated, independent evolution for a variety of traits including eye degeneration, pigment loss, increased size and number of taste buds and mechanosensory organs, and shifts in many behavioural traits. Surface and cave forms are interfertile making this system amenable to genetic interrogation; however, lack of a reference genome has hampered efforts to identify genes responsible for changes in cave forms of A. mexicanus. Some preliminary population genomic analysis will be presented.