Department of Biology and Chemistry
Evolution of Placentation in Fishes
The evolution of complex traits has long been an area of keen interest to biologists. Using live-bearing Poeciliid fishes as a model species group wherein placentation has evolved multiple times, independently, Ihave been exploring the genetics contributing to the evolution of this complex trait. By examining patterns of gene expression and sequence difference between placental, or matrotrophic (“mother-feeding”), and lecithotrophic(“egg-feeding”) live-bearing sister species, I have been able to identify key contributing factors to placental evolution. I am particularly interested in how non-coding and viral gene co-option make be contributing to placental evolution as also observed in mammalian species.
