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Causes and consequences of intra-genomic coevolution

Award Number: R00GM149943
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2029

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Causes and consequences of intra-genomic coevolution - Eukaryotic genomes are riddled with repetitive sequences, including >50% in humans, yet the functional significance of DNA repeats has remained unclear. My research program investigates the functional consequences of one class of repetitive sequences called satellite DNA. Comprised of large arrays of non-coding, tandemly repeating sequences, satellite DNA represents the most rapidly evolving class of DNA. Between even closely related species, repetitive genomic regions are highly diverged and often unalignable. This rapid turnover might indicate that satellites are “junk DNA,” imposing no functional consequences on the organism. However, building evidence suggests that DNA satellite turnover disrupts genome integrity and chromosome transmission, functions vital for organism health and fertility. Proteins that interface with repetitive DNA can adapt to mitigate these deleterious fitness effects. This intra-genomic coevolution model predicts that internal genetic conflicts may drive rapid molecular adaptation that alters even the most essential cellular processes. While there is growing evidence for this model, there are very few cases in which both sides of this molecular arms race have been identified and functionally characterized. Moreover, in a contemporary genome, the once-threatening satellites are rendered harmless by their coevolved satellite-interacting proteins, effectively hiding in plain sight. These gaps hinder our ability to understand the specific satellites that challenge functions vital for health and reproduction and to explore the cellular pathways and molecular machinery shaped by intra-genomic coevolution. My research leverages the genetic tools and genomic resources of Drosophila to uncover the functional consequences of intra-genomic coevolution by integrating approaches from evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, and cell biology. This research project will explore the specific gene functions and molecular mechanisms altered by adaptive evolution, revealing the profound yet underappreciated role of satellite DNA in shaping essential biological functions.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $247,059 )
2026	2026	RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY	3 RUTGERS PLZ	NEW BRUNSWICK	NJ	08901	MIDDLESEX	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	3	5/12/2026	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$247,059
														Subtotal = $247,059

Grand Total All Awards = $247,059

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Causes and consequences of intra-genomic coevolution

Award Number: R00GM149943

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2029

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