Abstract
My laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) using the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, as a model. We are using an integrative approach that combines classical genetics, genome-wide association studies, population genomics, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA-Seq, and experimental manipulation of gene expression to elucidate gene regulatory networks involved in TSD. In this lecture, I will lay out the approach my lab is using to figure out how temperature determines sex and describe some of the loci and epigenetic mechanisms that we are studying in more detail, including temperature-dependent expression of Cold-inducible RNA Binding Protein (Cirbp), alternative splicing of Jumonji and AT-Rich Interaction Domain Containing 2 (Jarid2), and evolution of Wnt-signaling during the critical sex-determining period of embryogenesis. Our research will provide deeper insight into how sex-determining mechanisms evolved in response to climatic variation in the past and how these mechanisms may evolve in the future.
Speaker
Prof. Turk Rhen, University of North Dakota, USA.
Rhen's profile page at University of North Dakota.
Please note that Turk Rhen is visiting us here at IBV/CEES and this seminar will take place in person in the Kristine Bonnevies seminar room 3508. There will be no hybrid solutions this year for the seminar series, so do please add the event to your agenda.