Classic recessive-or-dominant gene dynamics may not be so simple
13 hours ago
- #genetics
- #pesticide-resistance
- #evolution
- A Stanford study reveals how fruit fly populations maintain genetic diversity in changing environments, crucial for future survival.
- The research supports the 'dominance reversal' theory, showing genetic variants can switch between dominant and recessive based on environmental conditions.
- Fruit flies exhibit long-term pesticide resistance due to this mechanism, acting as a 'hidden shield' when needed.
- The study combined field experiments, lab tests, and mathematical modeling to confirm dominance reversal in nature.
- Pesticide-resistant alleles persist at intermediate frequencies, dominant when beneficial (with pesticides) and recessive when harmful (without pesticides).
- The findings suggest this mechanism may be widespread, helping species retain genetic variants for future environmental shifts.
- The research also observed ripple effects (selective sweeps) across chromosomes, influencing genomic diversity beyond just resistance loci.
- The study raises questions about how natural and human-induced pressures shape genetic diversity over time.
- Funding came from NIH, NSF, and Stanford programs, with collaboration from the University of Pennsylvania.