Gönomix

GönomiX: Emerging genetic model systems: Cross-species comparison of developmental gene function and gene regulatory networks

Funded by:

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Graduiertenkolleg 3074 - Projektnummer 532783712

Duration:

2026 - 2031 (5 Jahre)

Project description:

Most knowledge of gene function has been gained from a small number of traditional model organisms. Recently, however, it has become possible to perform functional genetic studies in a much wider range of animals—enabling the investigation of novel biological processes and advancing our understanding of the diversity of gene function.

This opportunity broadens the scope of basic research and opens doors to novel applications. Yet, realizing the full scientific potential at the interface between zoology and functional genetics requires researchers with an unusually broad skill set—from morphology and biodiversity, over transcriptomics, reverse genetics, and genome editing, to cell biology—combined with strong bioinformatics expertise.

Our interdisciplinary group comprises experts in all of these areas, and we work with a “zoo” of non-traditional model systems that collectively cover the protostome clade.

In this Research Training Group (RTG), we aim to understand how animal diversity evolves through the diversification of developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and gene functions.

As a case study for likely gradual morphological diversification, we focus on the ancient process of anterior head and brain patterning. We will investigate this process from its initiation by asymmetric Wnt signaling, through the diversification of Wnt target gene repertoires and their interactions, down to the specification of neural cell types.

Using representative protostomes and a cnidarian outgroup, we will carry out coordinated comparative experiments that yield datasets directly comparable across species. These data will not only support robust evolutionary inferences but also provide an ideal foundation for the development of novel bioinformatics tools enabling cross-species GRN comparisons.

To study the genetic underpinnings of evolutionary novelties—the emergence of structurally and functionally new morphological features—we will examine several compelling examples: horns on beetle heads and appendages; novel sensory organs on tick appendages; and the evolution of the molluscan shell.

Hypotheses generated from these comparative analyses will be experimentally tested in selected members of our zoo of model organisms.