About Us ...
The Nuzhdin Lab is focused on research related to quantitative genetics, population genetics, and the genetics of speciation in Drosophila.
Our current projects include:
- investigating molecular evolution of genes affecting sexually dimorphic pigmentation (bric-a-brac) [Ryan Bickel]
- evolutionary genetics of transposable elements [Sergey Nuzhdin]
- comprehensive investigation of the quantitative genetics of sexual dimorphic traits and gene expression [Brad Main, Sergey Nuzhdin]
- exploring the genomic basis of local adaptation using microarrays and solexa sequencing in several systems, including:
- adaptation and co-adaptation of Medicago truncatula and Sinorhizobium to saline soils [Maren Friesen, Eric von Wettburg]
- adaptation of Arabidopsis lyrata to serpentine soils [Tom Turner, Eric von Wettburg]
- adaptation of Streptanthus glandulosa to serpentine soils [Eric von Wettburg, Tom Turner]
- adaptation of Drosophila melanogaster to wineries in Napa Valley [Tom Turner]
- adaptation of Drosophila melanogaster to breweries in Brazzaville, Congo [Lindy McBride]
- local adaptation and reproductive isolation of Edith's Checkerspot butterfly populations in the Sierra Nevada [Lindy McBride]
- determining the link between genotypic and environmentally determined adaptive alternative morphologies in the pea aphid [Jennifer Brisson]
- establishing methods for selection of genomic regions to reduce complexity in DNA pools prior to sequence analysis [Joe Dunham]
- quantifying evolutionary patterns of odorant and gustatory receptors across the sequenced species of Drosophila [Lindy McBride]
- using experimental evolution, population genetics, and mathematical modeling to understand coevolutionary dynamics between legumes and their nitrogen-fixing rhizobial symbionts [Maren Friesen]
- establishing methods to use of natural genetic variation to assemble networks of interacting loci [Sergey Nuzhdin]
- describing the genetic and transcriptional consequences of polyploid speciation using A. suesica as a model [Peter Chang, Sergey Nuzhdin]
- using modeling, transcriptomics, and field experiments to investigate coevolutionary dynamics between leaf hoppers and their male-killing Wolbachia parasites [Maggie Sherriffs]