Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2003/00858
A phylogenomics approach to determine the position of Strepsiptera (twisted-wing parasites).
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor AP Vogler, Imperial College London, Biological Sciences
- Grant held at:
- Imperial College London, Biological Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Genomics
- Systematics & Taxonomy
- Abstract:
- Molecular systematics has been used to study deep relationships of the Tree-of-Life using a very limited set of gene markers, so-called 'universal' markers because they can be sequenced with the same tools across a wide range of distantly related species. However, these universal gene markers have been proven to be insufficient for many applications, and hence novel approaches are needed in molecular systematics. Here we explore a novel strategy, based on the possibility of sequencing the 'transcriptome', i.e., the genes that are expressed (transcribed) in the organisms' tissues. This is possible by making 'cDNA libraries' and sequence snippets of a large numbers of these expressed genes. We will apply this approach to one of the most bizarre groups of insects, the twisted winged parasites (Strepsiptera). Despite many efforts, they have not been placed reliably within the system of the insects. The controversial debate about the placement of Strepsiptera has become the cause celebre of molecular systematics, and provided a test case for many contentious arguments about the philosophy and methodologies of phylogenetics. However, ultimately this issue can only be resolved with novel data. The use of this model system for testing the transcriptome approach as a novel strategy in systematics and evolutionary biology is particular convenient, as large comparative databases are available for the proposed closest relatives of Strepsiptera, the beetles (Coleoptera) and flies (Diptera). Hence, a relatively small effort is needed to resolve one of the classical phylogenetic questions with great confidence, while also testing some critical parameters of implementing this novel method.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2003/00858
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £29,922
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £512 | £12,508 | £11,147 | £5,754 |
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