Research project Supergene evolution in a classic plant system – genomic studies of distyly in Linum
Supergenes are clusters of genes that can maintain favorable trait combinations because they are inherited as a unit. Studying supergenes allows us to address fundamental questions on the origin and evolution of multi-trait adaptations and is therefore of broad significance.
Wild flaxseed plants (Linum) offer a particularly promising opportunity to study supergenes, because they harbor a multi-trait floral polymorphism called distyly that is governed by a supergene, the distyly S-locus. This project aims to develop Linum as a genomic model for studying distyly. We will first assemble genomes of six Linum species and then investigate evolutionary patterns at the distyly supergene. Finally, we will investigate genetic causes and genomic consequences of loss of distyly.
The genomes produced during this project will pave the way for studies of the molecular basis of adaptive floral differences described by Darwin. The results will shed light on the fascinating phenomenon of supergenes.
Project members
Project managers
Tanja Slotte
Professor
Members
Marco Fracassetti
Postdoktor
Aleksandra Losvik
Forskningsingenjör
