Esther van den Bos
Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology
Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity
Hüfferstr. 1
D-48149 Münster, Germany
Tel.: +49 251/83-21004
vandenbos@uni-muenster.de
Nationality: German
Transposable elements as genetic innovators in the invasive ant Cardiocondyla obscurior
The question behind how evolution works has attracted biologists’ attention for over a century revealing profound insights into genetic, molecular, and ecological mechanisms of evolution. In contrast to the previously presumed evolutionary progress through steadily emerging,
random genetic mutations that induce gradual phenotypic changes, advances in genomics have revealed that other, more dynamic, and diverse mechanisms can underlie evolutionary change. Here, we plan on examining the genome evolutionary impact of Transposable Elements (selfish, jumping genes; TEs) and their creative role as a force in adaptive evolution.
Using the invasive ant species Cardiocondyla obscurior as our model organism, we aim to study TEs as drivers of adaptability, “superorganismal somatic mosaicism”, and TE-driven genome dynamics. Therefore, we plan to:
Experimentally, we plan on conducting germline expression profiling, assessing de novo transpositions, and studying phenotypic diversity in C. obscurior under control and stress conditions and under pharmacological inhibition of the most abundant HSP, Hsp90. Finally, using agent-based modelling we plan to explore the long-term adaptive potential of TEs in this species.