Der Einfluss von Hybridisierung auf das Genom der megadiversen haplochrominen Buntbarsche (Cichlidae)

• Antragstellerin: Dr. Julia Schwarzer
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Evolution, Anthropologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 2012 bis 2014
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 226560059

Hybridization and gene flow are assumed to shape variation and species diversification by generating genetic and phenotypic novelties. In concert with vacant ecological opportunities (niches) and the absence of competition with parental species this might enable a rapid formation of stable reproductively isolated hybrid lineages. Several potential examples for hybrid speciation are known but our understanding of the underlying genomic mechanisms, for example of those responsible for the build-up of reproductive isolation, and of the genomic architecture of hybrids is fragmentary. In the present study genomic RAD (Restriction site associated DNA) sequence data will be used to generate thousands of genome-wide SNP markers to study the accumulation and spatial distribution of genomic incompatibilities (Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities, DMIs) in experimental cichlid (Actinopterygii: Cichlidae) hybrids as well as the traceability and genomic distribution of ancient hybrid signal in established Lake Victoria cichlid species. The obtained genomic sequence data will be mapped on the available cichlid genomes and matched with known quantitative trait loci and candidate genes assumed to be connected with reproductive isolation. The results of the proposed research project will provide novel insights into the genomic basis of early-stage hybridization and the formation of genomic incompatibilities responsible for the build-up of reproductive isolation as well as into the impact of hybridization on speciation processes and its role in the rapid emergence of the megadiverse lacustrine cichlid radiations.

• DFG-Verfahren: Forschungsstipendien
• Internationaler Bezug: Schweiz
• Gastgeber: Professor Dr. Ole Seehausen