Genetical Genomics of Mutational Variance. Mutation is the ultimate source of all genetic variation. Understanding the nature of mutation, its frequency, the distribution of effects, and the forces of selection that remove mutational load from populations is therefore a central concern of genetics. The accumulation of mutational load both in endangered species and human populations, where the natural forces of selection tend not to operate, has the potential to create serious problems in these p ....Genetical Genomics of Mutational Variance. Mutation is the ultimate source of all genetic variation. Understanding the nature of mutation, its frequency, the distribution of effects, and the forces of selection that remove mutational load from populations is therefore a central concern of genetics. The accumulation of mutational load both in endangered species and human populations, where the natural forces of selection tend not to operate, has the potential to create serious problems in these populations. The goal is to understand what types of mutations are targeted by selection at the gene expression level and why.Read moreRead less
Adaptive evolution of coleoid (cuttlefish, octopus, squid) venoms. This project represents an opportunity for biodiscovery from the venoms of cuttlefish, octopuses and squids. The independent adaptation for venom active at the subzero Arctic and Antarctic polar waters is of particular evolutionary interest. However, their divergent, bioactive compounds are also a rich drug design resource.