Evolutionary signatures in gene copy-number variation in Brassicaceae (B05)

• Subject Area: Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456082119

The number of gene copies is often particularly variable in plant genomes. Although changes in gene copy number have often been shown to fuel adaptation, we lack comprehensive models to tell when they evolved in response to selection. This project will investigate the extent to which natural selection contributes to gene copy number variation within and between species in the Brassicaceae family. We will integrate empirical data, newly developed theoretical models as well as computer simulations under neutral and selective processes to model the role of copy number variation in selected plant gene families for plant adaptation.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 341: Plant Ecological Genetics
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Laura Rose, since 7/2022; Professor Dr. Thomas Wiehe, since 7/2022