A5035662451- Plant and animal studies
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms
- Genomics, phytochemicals, and oxidative stress
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
- Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis
- Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
- Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
- Plant pathogens and resistance mechanisms
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Law, Rights, and Freedoms
- Pharmacogenetics and Drug Metabolism
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction
- Plant Molecular Biology Research
- Internet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting
Augustana University
2013-2024
Duke University
2012-2021
University of Chicago
2015-2020
Identification of the causal genes that control complex trait variation remains challenging, limiting our appreciation evolutionary processes influence polymorphisms in nature. We cloned a quantitative locus controls plant defensive chemistry, damage by insect herbivores, survival, and reproduction natural environments where this polymorphism evolved. These ecological effects are driven duplications BCMA (branched-chain methionine allocation) loci controlling two selectively favored amino...
Network characteristics of biochemical pathways are believed to influence the rate evolutionary change in constituent enzymes. One characteristic that may affect heterogeneity is control amount product produced by a pathway or flux control. In particular, theoretical analyses suggest adaptive substitutions should be concentrated enzyme(s) exert greatest over flux. Although handful studies have found correlation between position and rate, these investigations not examined relationship Given...
Hybridization affects the spatial and temporal patterns of morphological genetic variation, shaping species evolution. Asclepias speciosa A. syriaca provide an excellent system for uncovering how these are generated. The ranges overlap on North American Great Plains, multiple intermediates observed in this contact zone, consistent with hybridization. However, other processes, such as preservation ancestral polymorphism or selective pressure imposed by environmental clines, could explain...
Abstract Mating displays often contain multiple signals. Different combinations of these signals may be equally successful at attracting a mate, as environment and signal combination influence relative weighting by choosy individuals. This variation in among individuals facilitate the maintenance polymorphic signalling behaviour. One group animals known for their patterning are Batesian mimetic butterflies, where interaction sexual selection predation pressures is hypothesized to wing Males...
The connections leading from genotype to fitness are not well understood, yet they crucial for a diverse set of disciplines. Uncovering the general properties biochemical pathways that influence ecologically important traits is an effective way understand these connections. Enzyme flux control (or, over pathway output) one such property. flux-controlling enzyme in antiherbivory aliphatic glucosinolate Arabidopsis thaliana has majority under benign greenhouse conditions and evidence...
Abstract Metabolic networks are complex cellular systems dependent on the interactions among, and regulation of, enzymes in network. Although there is great diversity of types that make up metabolic networks, models meant to understand possible evolutionary outcomes following duplication neglect specifics about enzyme, pathway context, constraints. To illuminate mechanisms shape evolution biochemical pathways, I functionally characterize consequences gene an enzyme family performs multiple...
Understanding factors that determine a species' geographical range is crucial for predicting climate-induced shifts. Two milkweed species, Asclepias syriaca and speciosa, have overlapping ranges along moisture gradient in North America are primary food sources endangered monarch caterpillars. With decreasing moisture, long-lived species often exhibit slower growth greater drought tolerance, while many annual faster strategies. Using this fast-slow framework, we assessed whether traits of...
In the United States, ballot measure power was born during 1990s Progressive Era, ushered in by populists, socialists, and labor activists. Early on, activists used to curb political corruption through campaign finance other election reforms. Those early efforts also sought improve conditions, minimize influence of wealthy special interests, require powerful corporate interests pay more taxes. While has been conservatives progressives alike, legacy process as a vehicle for progressive change...
Abstract Metabolic networks are complex cellular systems dependent on the interactions among, and regulation of, enzymes in network. However, mechanisms that lead to expansion of not well understood. While gene duplication is a major driver functional evolution metabolic networks, effect fate retained duplicates network poorly Here, I study an enzyme family performs multiple subsequent enzymatic reactions corticosteroid pathway primates illuminate shape components following duplication. The...
ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms by which mutations affect fitness and distribution of mutational effects are central goals in evolutionary biology. Mutation accumulation (MA) lines have long been an important tool for understanding effect new on fitness, phenotypic variation, parameters. However, there is a clear gap predicting specific to their fitness. Here, we complete gene ontology analysis metabolomics experiments Arabidopsis thaliana MA determine how spontaneous directly global...
Abstract Understanding the mechanisms by which mutations affect fitness and distribution of mutational effects are central goals in evolutionary biology. Mutation accumulation (MA) lines have long been an important tool for understanding effect new on fitness, phenotypic variation, parameters. However, there is a clear gap predicting specific to their fitness. Here, we complete gene ontology analysis metabolomics experiments Arabidopsis thaliana MA determine how spontaneous directly global...