Check out the October issue of GENETICS by looking at the highlights or the full table of contents!

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

Rhythmic behavior is controlled by the SRm160 splicing factor in Drosophila melanogaster, pp. 593–607

Esteban J. Beckwith, Carlos E. Hernando, Sofía Polcowñuk, Agustina P. Bertolin, Estefania Mancini, M. Fernanda Ceriani, and Marcelo J. Yanovsky

Animals have evolved neural circuits that allow them to generate adaptive behaviors to their natural environment. Specific neuronal clusters depend on biological timekeeping systems that are collectively known as circadian clocks. These clocks rely on complex biochemical events that ensure rhythmicity and guarantee an accurate period. In this study, Beckwith et al. describe a new component of the clockwork machinery in the fruit fly, showing that this new clock component impacts the oscillation of the pacemaker clock, thus affecting its main clock outputs.

Accumulation of deleterious mutations during bacterial range expansions, pp. 669–684

Lars Bosshard, Isabelle Dupanloup, Olivier Tenaillon, Rémy Bruggmann, Martin Ackermann, Stephan Peischl, and Laurent Excoffier

Recent theoretical work suggested that deleterious mutations could accumulate during the range expansion of a species, negatively affecting its fitness. Bosshard et al. tested this prediction using an experimental evolution approach over 1650 generations. The fitness of high mutation rate lines expanding on agar decreased when measured in several environments, unlike that of low mutation rate lines expanding on agar or of well-mixed high-mutation rate lines. These results imply that successfully expanding species accumulate deleterious mutations that impact their fitness, potentially limiting their ability to adapt to new environments.

Stress-induced sleep after exposure to ultraviolet light is promoted by p53 in Caenorhabditis elegans, pp. 571–582

Hilary K. DeBardeleben, Lindsey E. Lopes, Mark P. Nessel, and David M. Raizen

The conservation of sleep among animals suggests that this behavior serves an important adaptive function; however, a unifying function for and genetic regulation of sleep behavior is still unknown. Stress-induced sleep in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans gives new insight into function and regulation of sleep at the cellular level. Here, DeBardeleben et al. expand upon previous work by introducing a new type of stress that induces sleep, suggesting a broader function for sleep than previously thought. They also report a novel function for the highly conserved P53 family of tumor suppressors in the regulation of stress induced sleep.

Silencing of repetitive DNA is controlled by a member of an unusual Caenorhabditis elegans gene family, pp. 529–545

Eduardo Leyva-Daz, Nikolaos Stefanakis, Inés Carrera, Lori Glenwinkel, Guoqiang Wang, Monica Driscoll, and Oliver Hobert

Levya-Díaz et al. identify a Caenorhabditis elegans gene involved in transgene silencing and RNA interference. The gene is a member of a divergent gene family that specifically expanded in the C. elegans genome.

Selection constrains high rates of tandem repetitive DNA mutation in Daphnia pulex, pp. 697–710

Jullien M. Flynn, Ian Caldas, Melania E. Cristescu, and Andrew G. Clark

Tandemly repeated DNA is known to be highly abundant and highly divergent between species, but the genome-wide mutation rates in these mostly unmappable repeats have never been directly tested. Here, Flynn et al. use whole genome sequencing of Daphnia pulex mutation accumulation lines and a competitive population to estimate the mutation rates and the influence of selection on tandem repeats. They found extremely high rates of expansions and contraction in the MA lines, which was reduced in the population that experienced selection.

Incorporating gene annotation into genomic prediction of complex phenotypes, pp. 489–501

Ning Gao, Johannes W. R. Martini, Zhe Zhang, Xiaolong Yuan, Hao Zhang, Henner Simianer, and Jiaqi Li

Gao et al. propose several approaches to incorporate gene annotation into genomic prediction and evaluate these new methods on populations of mouse, Drosophila, and rice. Their results show that, for many traits under consideration, annotation-based models outperform SNP and haplotype models without gene annotation. Using gene annotation to define haploblocks leads to comparable or better predictions, and modeling gene interaction effects additionally improves prediction ability. This is the first work which incorporates gene annotation and epistatic interactions into haplotype-based prediction approaches.

Selection during maize domestication targeted a gene network controlling plant and inflorescence architecture, pp. 755–765

Anthony J. Studer, Huai Wang, and John F. Doebley

Selection during evolution, whether natural or artificial, is evidenced through the phenotype. For complex phenotypes like plant and inflorescence architecture, the underlying genetic foundation is composed of a network of interacting genes, rather than single genes that act independently. Here, Studer et al. begin to define the genetic regulatory network to which the maize domestication gene, teosinte branched1 (tb1), belongs. Multiple members of the tb1 network appear to have been the targets of selection during maize domestication. Understanding the regulatory hierarchies controlling traits is central to understanding how new morphologies evolve.

Multi-population genomic relationships for estimating current genetic variances within and genetic correlations between populations, pp. 503–515

Yvonne C. J. Wientjes, Piter Bijma, Jérémie Vandenplas, and Mario P. L. Calus

Relationships between individuals are important to estimate genetic variances within a population and covariances between populations. Here, Wientjes et al. define and validate the multipopulation genomic relationship matrix to estimate current genetic variances within and genetic correlations between populations. The genetic correlation between populations is an important parameter in human, animal, and plant research and helps in understanding the genetic architecture and evolution of complex traits. It also provides information about the potential to combine information across populations for genomic prediction.

View all posts by Editorial Staff »

Read more in

  • Collage of 2021 Rosalind Franklin Award recipients

    Where are they now? Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recipients share updates on their research

    Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award applications are open–make sure you submit your application or nomination of a colleague by September 30, 2024.

  • University of Minnesota researchers map genome of the last living wild horse species

    The study, published in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, is part of larger conservation efforts to save Przewalski’s horse.

  • Congratulations to the Spring 2024 DeLill Nasser Awardees!

    GSA is pleased to announce the recipients of the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for Spring 2024! Given twice a year to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, DeLill Nasser Awards support attendance at meetings and laboratory courses. The award is named in honor of DeLill Nasser, a long-time GSA supporter and National Science Foundation…

  • Carolyn Damilola headshot

    Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

    Carolyn Damilola is an NFS Rising Scientist from Nigeria doing respiratory system research and paving the way for scientists from underrepresented communities through mentorship.

  • Text over a blue background image: Apply for up to $2,000 for your project from the Starter Culture Microgrant Program.

    What does a good microgrant proposal look like?

    Members of the Microgrant Review Committee share their tips for a successful proposal.

  • A blurred image of a human face is shown against a dark background.

    The first piece of the facial recognition puzzle

    New research in GENETICS gives a first peek at the molecular pathway involved in recognizing faces.

  • New Senior Editor Amy MacQueen joins GENETICS

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Genome Integrity and Transmission section. We’re excited to welcome Amy MacQueen to the editorial team.

  • Close up of an adult zebrafish with blue and white stripes in an aquarium with red lighting.

    Block party on the zebrafish sex chromosome

    Research in G3 identifies a gene regulatory block of the zebrafish genome responsible for overseeing the maternal-to-zygotic-transition.

  • Lemna Minor, the common duckweed

    Unraveling the mysteries of duckweed: epigenetic insights from Spirodela polyrhiza

    Research published in G3 offers insight into the impact of DNA methylation on clonal propagation in asexually reproducing plants.

  • Luciano Marraffini headshot

    A microbiologist’s quest to understand CRISPR in bacterial self-defense

    2024 Genetics Society of America Medal recipient Luciano Marraffini determined how CRISPR-Cas systems destroy genetic targets with precision, paving the way for gene editing technology development.

  • Elaine Ostrander headshot

    Unlocking mysteries of trait and disease heritability in dogs

    2024 Edward Novitski Prize recipient Elaine Ostrander, a pioneer of the domestic dog model, discovered numerous genes affecting dog size, morphology, behavior, and disease susceptibility—many of which have relevance in humans.

  • NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS Grant to Support Culture Change in Genetics

    GSA and collaborators Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue and Reclaiming STEM Institute launch NSF-funded BIO-LEAPS project to support culture change in genetics 

    We are thrilled to announce that the Genetics Society of America (GSA) is collaborating with the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED) based in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and the Reclaiming STEM Institute (RSI) on a Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) grant from the U.S. National Science…

  • Daman Saluja: Navigating Science and Policy in India

    In the Paths to Science Policy series, we talk to individuals who have a passion for science policy and are active in advocacy through their various roles and careers. The series aims to inform and guide early career scientists interested in science policy. This series is brought to you by the GSA Early Care­er Scientist…

  • Deborah Andrew headshot

    A fly geneticist’s journey into discovering rules of organ development

    2024 George W. Beadle Award recipient Deborah Andrew discovered new genes and pathways in Drosophila salivary gland organogenesis. Now, her work can help optimize cell secretion in therapeutic applications and fight malaria.

  • Małgorzata Gazda's headshot

    Małgorzata Gazda: How receiving the DeLill Nasser Award helped her land her dream job

    Have you ever experienced an event that changes the course of your life, or in this case, your career? Małgorzata (Gosia) Gazda is Assistant Professor at the University of Montreal and in 2022, she received the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, which she used to attend and present at the 2022 Population,…

  • Hongyu Zhao joins GENETICS as new Senior Editor

    A new senior editor is joining GENETICS in the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section. We’re excited to welcome Hongyu Zhao to the editorial team.

  • Julio Molina Pineda at TAGC 2024

    GSA Member Julio Molina Pineda Receives DeLill Nasser Award, Shines at TAGC 2024 

    “At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!” Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for…

  • Ed Grell at his dissecting microscope using ether to anesthetize his flies.

    In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

    Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…

  • Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

    We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…

  • Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

    You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…

  • Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience 

    A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…

  • TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

    GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024.  Don’t miss the opportunity…

  • Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

    In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…

  • Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

    In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

    We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…

  • The Fly Meeting is one-of-a-kind! Dros 2025 organizers share their excitement

    The 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference promises to be a meeting rich with the latest in Drosophila research as well as opportunities to advance your career and connect with a global community of 1,400+ scientists. The organizers Todd Nystul, Michelle Bland, Leila Rieder, Amanda Crocker, and Justin Crocker are hard at work, planning a conference…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Olufemi Osonowo

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Olufemi Adekunle OsonowoCareer Development SubcommitteeDalhousie University Research Interest Metabolomics and genomics are two distinct but complimentary approaches that offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex traits, such…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Hector Mendoza

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Hector MendozaCommunication and Outreach SubcommitteeUniversity of Michigan Research Interest My research goals converge around the evolution of sexual reproduction. During my doctoral program, I investigated mitochondrial inheritance, a mechanism…