Borevitz Lab :: Research Interests
The topics are broadening so please see individual group members pages.
Summary
Work in the Borevitzlab can generally be described as studying the genetics of Adaptation. We focus on a handful of model organisms and how they interact and shape their local environment using state of the art techniques. High throughput genetic sequencing allows us to look at population structure and dynamics on the landscape. Remote sensing of weather variables tracks local microclimatic environmental change among, and within, host ecosystems. Idealized microclimates are then recreated in growth chambers. High resolution imaging, in situ and ex situ, allows growth and development phenotypes to be recorded throughout the season, across target populations. Finally we hope to paramaterize models of genotype <--> phenotype <--> environment interactions among species that lead to ecosystem evolution and ecological sustainability.
Genetics of local adaptation in plants
Specific interests of the lab include the genetics of adaptation to seasonal light environments. Quantitative and population genetic approaches in Arabidopsis thaliana, Arabidopsis lyrata, Aquilegia (columbines), and switchgrass are used to dissect local and regional phenotypic variation. What genes and what alleles explain differential survival (germination/elongation) and reproduction (flowering time) in the field? Are these new variants or new combinations of existing polymorphisms? Are similar evolutionary steps occurring in related species living in a similar ecological context?
Genetic variation in environmental response
In Arabidopsis, we have revealed extensive genetic variation in world-wide collections for seedling elongation (Nature Genetics 2001) and flowering time (Genetics 2005) under unique light environments and determined quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for this variation (Genetics 2002,2004, PLoSONE, 2007). The next questions are what are the genes underlying these QTL and what are the functional allelic differences? How have the patterns of variation at these loci been shaped by natural selection? Can we find evidence for local adaptation and determine the ecological environmental differences driving selection?
Genomic approaches to natural variation
A second focus is on the development of genomics methods to enable comprehensive studies of natural variation. Tools such as whole genome oligo-nucleotide SNP tiling arrays are being used for very high resolution studies of polymorphism, mapping (Genome Research 2003, Genetics 2004, PNAS 2005, Plant Phys 2005, COPB 2007) and haplotype analysis (PNAS 2007). These arrays which interrogate nearly every base of the A. thaliana genome, can reveal natural variation in gene or allelic expression and alternative splicing to identify candidate genes for QTL and their downstream responses (Annual Review 2004). SNPs, novel Single Feature Polymorphisms (SFPs) and CNPs can identify potential causative changes for QTL. We have also revealed natural variation in methylation by differential enzyme digestion followed by tiling array hybridization. We have now profiled of RNA from hybrid strains to map Allele specific expression genome wide.
From molecular systems to ecosystems: restoring biodiversity and biomass
Cellular responses are the integration of genetic and environmental inputs that through development result in altered organismal phenotypes of the adult plant. Whole plant structure and physiology affects the species community makeup and higher order inter-specific interactions. The resulting landscape effects, in turn have outputs measured as ecosystems services including biomass for biofuel, habitat for biodiversity, and carbon and nitrogen sequestration that input again on molecular cellular signaling.
Ecological observatory
- Microclimate stations in Indiana Dunes
- Plant collections: Columbines, tallgrass
- Plant and habitat photo gallery
- Panoramic images of coastal dune landscape (Gigapan)
