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The (onto)genetic basis of phenotypic integration

Award Number: R35GM165799
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: 07/06/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

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The (onto)genetic basis of phenotypic integration - Project Summary Phenotypic variation is a fundamental feature of biological entities. The processes through which variation is generated, maintained, and destroyed are therefore central to our understanding of living systems. Considering biological information is encoded and transmitted in the form of genotypes, the connection between genetic and phenotypic variation is a key aspect in this endeavor. Most traits can be decomposed into multiple sub- phenotypes that together make up a more complex phenotype, for example the individual elements of a color pattern, or the symptoms that comprise a disease phenotype. This phenomenon is known as phenotypic integration. The joint manifestation of traits is usually underlied by a common genetic mechanism, such as physical linkage in the genome, or pleiotropy, where the same genes or pathways affect multiple traits. Although the genetic mechanisms underlying integrated phenotypes that share similar organismal functions have been well studied, connections between traits with less related functions are not well understood, and remain largely unexplored. The proposed work seeks to unveil the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying two such phenotypes: coloration and toxicity in poison frogs. Ecological explanations for their tight connection are easy to formulate: Vivid colorations warn predators of the frogs’ deadly toxins, and more conspicuous signals are easier to remember. On the other hand, frogs not defended by toxins are better off matching their background to avoid detection. How these traits are connected at the genetic level is, however, harder to explain. To unveil this genetic connection, we will investigate in detail the degree to which the genetic architecture of coloration and toxicity are correlated, and will identify the genes and molecular functions underlying phenotyipic differences at these traits. We will then use functional genetic tools such as CRISPR-based gene editing to test whether variation at the same genes or functions affects both traits in a pleiotropic fashion. Finally, we will continue to develop tools and resources that enable the use of poison frogs as laboratory animals, further allowing us and other researchers to leverage the unique biology of these animals in biomedical studies. Overall, the proposed work will provide a detailed outlook on how traits in unrelated realms of organismal function can become linked by a common underlying genetic and molecular basis, shedding light on the processes through which genetic information gives rise to complex organisms.


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 = $428,110 )
2026	2026	VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE & STATE UNIVERSITY	300 TURNER ST NW	BLACKSBURG	VA	24060	MONTGOMERY	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	7/6/2026	NEW	$428,110
														Subtotal = $428,110

Grand Total All Awards = $428,110

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The (onto)genetic basis of phenotypic integration

Award Number: R35GM165799

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: 07/06/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

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