Does the fruitless gene influence species-specific variation in mating behaviour?

Genes responsible for variation in species-specific mating signals may be important to speciation and biodiversity because evolutionary divergence in these loci can play a role in promoting sexual isolation and decreasing gene flow between natural populations of diverging species. Identifying and studying the divergence of such genes is a key priority of contemporary evolutionary genetics. In a series of QTL studies of divergence of song traits between and within species of the fruit fly Drosophila, the gene fruitless (fru) has been implicated in the control of variation in this classic trait. Much is known about the structure and function of this gene in controlling song production in D. melanogaster, but little if anything about its role in influencing natural variation in song. We propose a) developing a combination of advanced 'gene swap' techniques to move exons of the gene from a range of species into D. melanogaster b) studies of the molecular evolution of fru within and between natural populations and species c) association analysis of variation in fru and traits in natural populations and d) examination of the evolution of regulatory regions to assess in detail the role of fru in natural variation at multiple levels. This will represent a uniquely detailed examination of the evolution of a candidate locus for a complex behavioural trait.

This proposal will have a broad academic impact, establish a new collaboration and promote knowledge exchange between different areas of biology. Moreover, this proposal has the added value of potential benefits to the public and private sector through training and career development, and to wider society through engaging members of the general public. The postdoctoral researchers will receive career development training and participate in public outreach. The PIs have a strong track record of contribution of public dissemination of research achievements, for example via the Oxfordshire Science Festival, Wellcome initiatives and the general media. and the topic of speciation and the evolution of sexual behaviour will provide many opportunities for further public engagement. We specifically request PTI funding for the development of a display at the St Andrews Botanic Garden, which is visited by schools and adults from throughout Fife.