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Dr A Twyford
Dr C A Kidner
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Supervisors: Alex Twyford ([Email Address Removed]), Catherine Kidner ([Email Address Removed])
Related species often show differences in genome structure, with whole genome duplication (polyploidy) representing one of the most dramatic forms of genomic variation. Whole genome duplication has long interested evolutionary biologists, as it may prevent cross-mating between diverging taxa, and thus promote speciation. However, recent genomic analyses have cast doubt on this assumption, as ongoing gene flow has been detected between polyploids and their diploid relatives. Additional genomic studies are required to test whether polyploidy can cause instantaneous and complete reproductive isolation, and thus be a mechanism underlying sympatric speciation.
This project will investigate the importance of polyploidy in the evolution of the plant genus Euphrasia (eyebrights). This genus includes c. 20 species in the UK, with diploids and tetraploids that commonly co-occur and are thought to occasionally hybridize. We have recently sequenced the complete genome of the diploid, and shown that diploids and tetraploids are highly genetically divergent. We have also located a site in South Wales where diploids and tetraploids co-occur. These resources and observations provide the background for further studies investigating polyploidy and hybridization in this group.
This project will use draft genome sequences, and generate new population genomic data and field observations, in order to:
1. Understand genomic differences between diploids and tetraploids.
2. Observe the extent of localised gene flow in a diploid-tetraploid hybrid zone.
3. Look for evidence of historical gene flow between diploids and tetraploids across the UK.
Overall, this project represents an exciting example of where cutting-edge genomic tools and classic field observations can shed light on an important yet poorly understood evolutionary processes. This project will offer training in genomic analysis, and include fieldwork in South Wales and other areas of the United Kingdom.
Related species often show differences in genome structure, with whole genome duplication (polyploidy) representing one of the most dramatic forms of genomic variation. Whole genome duplication has long interested evolutionary biologists, as it may prevent cross-mating between diverging taxa, and thus promote speciation. However, recent genomic analyses have cast doubt on this assumption, as ongoing gene flow has been detected between polyploids and their diploid relatives. Additional genomic studies are required to test whether polyploidy can cause instantaneous and complete reproductive isolation, and thus be a mechanism underlying sympatric speciation.
This project will investigate the importance of polyploidy in the evolution of the plant genus Euphrasia (eyebrights). This genus includes c. 20 species in the UK, with diploids and tetraploids that commonly co-occur and are thought to occasionally hybridize. We have recently sequenced the complete genome of the diploid, and shown that diploids and tetraploids are highly genetically divergent. We have also located a site in South Wales where diploids and tetraploids co-occur. These resources and observations provide the background for further studies investigating polyploidy and hybridization in this group.
This project will use draft genome sequences, and generate new population genomic data and field observations, in order to:
1. Understand genomic differences between diploids and tetraploids.
2. Observe the extent of localised gene flow in a diploid-tetraploid hybrid zone.
3. Look for evidence of historical gene flow between diploids and tetraploids across the UK.
Overall, this project represents an exciting example of where cutting-edge genomic tools and classic field observations can shed light on an important yet poorly understood evolutionary processes. This project will offer training in genomic analysis, and include fieldwork in South Wales and other areas of the United Kingdom.
Funding Notes
Project and application details can be found at the website below. You must follow the instructions on the EASTBIO website for your application to be considered.
This opportunity is only open to UK nationals (or EU students who have been resident in the UK for 3+ years immediately prior to the programme start date) due to restrictions imposed by the funding body.
http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0
This opportunity is only open to UK nationals (or EU students who have been resident in the UK for 3+ years immediately prior to the programme start date) due to restrictions imposed by the funding body.
http://www.eastscotbiodtp.ac.uk/how-apply-0
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View other supervisors at University of EdinburghCareer overview
Catherine Kidner is the Head of the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. They have a research focus on understanding the genetics underlying differences between plant species, particularly in tropical environments. Their work employs a combination of classical genetics and modern sequencing technologies to investigate how genetic variations influence plant growth and form. Kidner has been involved in large-scale comparative sequence analysis, utilising next-generation sequencing (NGS) to produce transcriptomes, genomes, and phylogenies to explore tropical plant diversity. They have produced genetic maps and reference genomes for various species, including the Begonia genus, which is well represented in tropical flora. Kidner's research also extends to the Inga genus, a group of leguminous trees, where they apply comparative transcriptomics to identify traits associated with species-level variation.
Research interests
Catherine Kidner's research focuses on understanding the genetics underlying differences between plant species, particularly in tropical plants, which are genetically understudied despite their diversity. Current interests include large-scale comparative sequence analysis, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to produce transcriptomes, genomes, and phylogenies to explore tropical plant diversity. Specific research includes studying the Begonia genus, which has significant representation in tropical flora, to understand speciation patterns and the genetics behind species-level diversity. Additionally, research on Inga, a group of leguminous trees, aims to identify traits associated with species-level variation, especially in relation to herbivore defence. Kidner is also interested in all aspects of comparative genetics and genomics in underexplored plants.
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