SubsidieMeestersThe genomic impact of ancient structural variants on species extinction
This project aims to analyze ancient genomes of extinct megafauna using advanced sequencing to quantify the impact of structural variants on genome diversity and extinction.
Projectdetails
Introduction
In this proposal, I seek to quantify the impact of structural variants on species genome diversity and extinction by sequencing ancient genomes of extinct megafauna. Structural variants are large genomic rearrangements capable of significantly affecting gene function and fitness.
Background
While in previous work I have investigated the genomes of extinct species at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level, the accurate identification of structural variants has been hampered by molecular and computational challenges. This has impeded their incorporation into genomic extinction research.
Recent Advancements
Recent advancements in long-read sequencing technologies have led to considerable improvements in accuracy and affordability. This makes it feasible to characterize structural variants at a population level scale in non-model organisms.
Preliminary Results
Despite the fragmented nature of ancient DNA, our preliminary results show that millions of ancient DNA sequences exceeding 500 base pairs in length can be obtained from extraordinarily well-preserved samples.
Project Goals
This project capitalizes on these samples, combined with state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, to:
- Recover high-quality long-read sequencing data from ancient specimens.
- Subsequently reconstruct extinct genomes de-novo.
Focus of the Study
Focusing on megafauna that went extinct during the late Pleistocene, this project will examine the evolution of structural variants under scenarios of increased genetic drift and reduced selection at unprecedented resolution.
Innovative Approaches
Moreover, the project will pioneer the direct quantification of within-species structural variant changes through time. It will provide new insights into genetic variants within previously unassembled genomic segments.
Conclusion
By expanding our understanding of the genetic role of structural variants on extinction events, we will contribute valuable insights into the genetic determinants beyond SNPs that influence species diversity, adaptations, survival, and eventual extinction.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 1.500.000 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 1.500.000 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-12-2024 |
| Einddatum | 30-11-2029 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2024 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- NATURHISTORISKA RIKSMUSEETpenvoerder
Land(en)
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Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
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|---|---|---|---|---|
EXamining how Past demography affects genetic LOad using Ancient DNAThis project aims to use ancient DNA sequencing to investigate evolutionary responses of threespine sticklebacks to ecological changes, addressing the mutational costs of natural selection amidst climate change. | ERC COG | € 625.229 | 2022 | Details |
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Mutational processes and impact of structural variants in somatic cellsThe STRUCTOMATIC project aims to catalog and analyze structural variants in human somatic cells to understand their mutational processes and functional impacts on cancer and aging-related diseases. | ERC COG | € 1.999.428 | 2024 | Details |
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Investigating mammalian evolution using million-year genomic transects
This project aims to revolutionize ancient DNA research by sequencing 100 genomes from Early and Middle Pleistocene mammals to explore macroevolutionary changes over a million-year timescale.
Mutational processes and impact of structural variants in somatic cells
The STRUCTOMATIC project aims to catalog and analyze structural variants in human somatic cells to understand their mutational processes and functional impacts on cancer and aging-related diseases.