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Driver or hitchhiker? The role of horizontal gene transfer in the climate adaptation of a wild Horde
Driver or hitchhiker? The role of horizontal gene transfer in the climate adaptation of a wild Hordeum species
Duration
01/2025 - 12/2027
Agency
Czech Science Foundation
Project number
25-15192S
Principle investigator
David Kopecký
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Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important evolutionary mechanism in higher plants. Hordeum species of sect. Stenostachys (Pooideae) have acquired several protein-coding genes from Panicum (Panicoideae) via HGT. In general, these genes are related to plant responses to stress conditions, but their exact function in Hordeum species is unknown. Our preliminary results suggest a link between the presence of these genes in Hordeum and temperature characteristics and thus indicate their possible role in climate adaptation. The project aims to reveal climate-dependent genetic variation in the model species H. pusillum and to assess the role of Panicum-derived genes in this adaptation. Plants from climatically diverse populations will be re-sequenced and mapped to a reference genome. Inter-population genetic variation in relation to climate variables will be examined and genes (native and acquired via HGT) underlying climate adaptation will be identified. The role of genes associated with climate adaptation will be validated through growth experiments and gene expression analyses.
Project team
Postdoc
Marek Szecówka Ph.D.
PhD student
Mehrdad Shahbazi MSc.
Leader
Assoc. prof. David Kopecký