6th Regular Meeting of Our Center

Haoxuan Liu,  PI

Haoxuan Liu first explained how to detect natural selection on phenotypic traits by establishing cumulative mutant strains. He then described his work using this method on mutation rates. This work demonstrates that the mutation rate is influenced by stabilizing selection.

The second part covered his research on recombination patterns, especially focusing on gene conversion.

Finally, he shared his future research plans.

Guangji Chen, Ph.D. candidate

Guangji Chen shared his research on solo-LTR within avian genomes, detailing the mechanisms and implications of solo-LTR formation. He highlighted significant differences in solo-LTR presence within avian genomes compared to reptilian and mammalian species.

Furthermore, a notable increase in a specific type of solo-LTR was observed within the genomes of Passeriformes.

Xupeng Bi, Bioinformatics Engineer

Xupeng Bi presented on 'Molecular Mechanisms Revealed by Early Sarcopterygian Fish Shed Light on the Vertebrate Terrestrialization.' They discussed how genetic regulatory networks crucial for vertebrate terrestrialization, such as those governing lungs, heart, and locomotive functions, were already in place before the first vertebrate ancestors transitioned onto land. This laid a crucial functional foundation for the emergence of new traits and subsequent evolutionary leaps.

Moreover, comparative analyses based on the evolutionary process of species have provided significant means to unravel the mechanisms behind the formation of complex biological traits. These analyses also serve as potent tools for biomedical research.