The role of alternative splicing in adaptation to a changing environment
Main funder
Funder's project number: 303632
Funds granted by main funder (€)
- 247 850,00
Funding program
Project timetable
Project start date: 01/09/2016
Project end date: 31/08/2018
Summary
Alternative splicing, where one gene can produce a variety of different proteins, is known be a very common event in all eukaryotes. This process is known to promote evolutionary potential of the organisms but the knowledge on its role in adaptation is still scarce. In this project I will utilize new genomic and genetic methods to trace alternative splicing in candidate genes important in adaptation. I will search for splicing variants of these genes at the whole transcriptome level and study the effects of splicing in several candidate genes on cold tolerance. I will also study the effects of changes in gene function at the phenotypic level using cold tolerance tests and new gene editing techniques. This research aims to clarify how splicing is connected to changes in life-history traits involved in adaption to seasonally varying environments and it will provide insight into the processes affecting the ability of organisms to adapt to environmental changes also at the global scale.
Principal Investigator
Other persons related to this project (JYU)
Primary responsible unit
Web page
https://www.jyu.fi/bioenv/en/divisions/eko/research/evolgen/Kankare/alternative-splicing/maaria-research
