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