Evolution of Evolvability?
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
Abstract
Evolution depends upon variation generated by mutation. The rates at which mutations arise may therefore be fundamental in the ability of organisms to evolve. These rates can vary in a particular organism in response to the environment (e.g. how stressful it is; MacLean et al. 2013), that is 'Mutation Rate Plasticity'. We have identified a social component to such plasticity (Krasovec et al. 2014a), dependent on population densities (Krasovec et al. 2014b), which gives it particular evolutionary interest. It also raises questions about its role in communities, for instance biofilms (McBain 2009). Novel findings in our group suggest that such mutation rate plasticity could be very widespread, across domains of life. However, the extent, variation and nature of such mutation rate plasticity is currently unknown.
This project will address this gap in our understanding by asking how widely density dependent mutation rate plasticity occurs among different organisms, using experimental studies focused on yeast as a model system (Replansky et al. 2008), combined with appropriate mathematical modeling. Questions will include: Can we create models that predict the course of evolution based on mutation rate plasticity? We know various genes involved in mutation rate plasticity in bacteria, but how conserved are such mechanisms in eukaryotes?
This project will address this gap in our understanding by asking how widely density dependent mutation rate plasticity occurs among different organisms, using experimental studies focused on yeast as a model system (Replansky et al. 2008), combined with appropriate mathematical modeling. Questions will include: Can we create models that predict the course of evolution based on mutation rate plasticity? We know various genes involved in mutation rate plasticity in bacteria, but how conserved are such mechanisms in eukaryotes?
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Christopher Knight (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M011208/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1782866 | Studentship | BB/M011208/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2021 |
Description | I have been involved in the Community Festival at Manchester Museum for two years. It was an occasion to communicate some early findings to a non-scientific public. |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
Impact Types | Cultural |
Title | Chemostat dataset |
Description | This dataset was obtain from continuous parallel cultures (chemostat) of E.coli strain (K12 MG1655) and the estimates of mutation rates for the resistance to several antibiotics. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This dataset allows the team to fill a gap in the understanding of mutation rate plasticity and will be used for further publications. |
Description | Graduate Teaching Assistant |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Working as a GTA consisted in assisting my Supervisor during a practical session in microbiology evolution with 22 students. The main tasks were answering questions from them and helping to get through the experimental protocol. It was a good way to improve my communication skills and confidence. It allowed me to gain valuable teaching experience with undergraduate students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
URL | https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/doctoral-academy/training/teaching-opportunities-training/ |