The genetics of the Drosophila mitochondrial DNA and its influence on evolution and diesease (360G-Wellcome-202269_Z_16_Z)

£1,153,380

The multicopied mitochondrial genome makes major contributions to life, disease and aging, but the rules governing its transmission, segregation and selection from one generation to the next are still largely unknown. These rules not only determine the evolution of the genome, but also influence the progression of mitochondrial disease and aging in somatic tissues. In the past, I have developed novel genetic tools in Drosophila to probe the poorly understood mitochondrial genetics. Interesting, I showed that detrimental mitochondrial mutants are selectively prevented from transmitting to offspring during oogenesis (i.e. purifying selection based on function). On the other hand, when diverged genomes from different species were paired, a selfish selection that promotes gains in transmission of mitochondrial genomes without regard to impact on function of host was observed. Here, I propose to apply genetic, cellular and biochemical tools to reveal the biological bases of the two selections and identify nuclear genes controlling mitochondrial genome competition. Meanwhile, I will reveal how mitochondrial genetic variations affect broad-scale organismal phenotypes such as longevity and fertility. These studies will significantly advance our understanding of rules governing transmission of mitochondrial genomes, provide new insights into mitochondrial-related diseases and generate new ideas for treatment options.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 1153380
Applicant Surname Ma
Approval Committee Sir Henry Dale Fellowship Interview Committee
Award Date 2016-06-01T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2015/16
Grant Programme: Title Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
Internal ID 202269/Z/16/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Hansong Ma
Partnership Name Royal Society/Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
Partnership Value 1153380
Planned Dates: End Date 2023-04-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2017-01-03T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region East of England
Sponsor(s) Prof Daniel St Johnston