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

This Month’s Centennial Articles

Motoo Kimura and James Crow on the infinitely many alleles model

pp. 1243–1245

Warren J. Ewens

Warren J. Ewens introduces Kimura and Crow’s 1964 GENETICS Classic The number of alleles that can be maintained in a finite population. This paper introduced a model motivated by the recognition that an astronomically large number of alleles is possible at any locus. Many later developments in evolutionary molecular genetics can be traced back to this foundational paper, including the concept of the coalescent.

Lindsley and Sandler et al. on gene dosage and the Drosophila genome

pp. 1247–1249

Mariana F. Wolfner

GENETICS Associate Editor Mariana F. Wolfner introduces the 1972 GENETICS Classic Segmental aneuploidy and the genetic gross structure of the Drosophila genome, arguably, the first Drosophila functional genomics paper. The work of Lindsley and Sandler et al. provided the first genome-wide survey of gene dosage, generated crucial tools and resources, and foreshadowed the collaborative “jamborees” to annotate the fly genome sequence.

An incomplete understanding of human genetic variation

pp. 1251–1254

John Huddleston and Evan E. Eichler

Although an impressive number of human genetic variants have been cataloged, a large fraction of the genetic difference that distinguishes two human genomes is still not understood at the base-pair level. The emphasis has been on more common (>1%) single-nucleotide variation as opposed to less tractable, more complex genetic variants, including indels and structural variants. In this Centennial Commentary, John Huddleston, and Even E. Eichler propose these more complex variants will have a large impact on human phenotypes but require more systematic assessment of genomes at deeper coverage, along with alternative sequencing and mapping technologies.

 A general approximation for the dynamics of quantitative traits

pp. 1523–1548

Katarína Bod’ová, Gašper Tkacik, and Nicholas H. Barton

Can we predict the temporal evolution of a trait without following the dynamics of the underlying allele frequencies? Bod’ová et al. show how the complex stochastic dynamics of a system of many loci with unequal effects can be accurately characterized by just a few quantities, such as the trait mean and average heterozygosity, which respond predictably to changes in evolutionary forces. The method is based on the principle that—subject to constraints on the observed quantities—entropy is maximized.

Chromosome-specific and global effects of aneuploidy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

pp. 1395–1409

Stacie E. Dodgson, Sharon Kim, Michael Costanzo, Anastasia Baryshnikova, Darcy L. Morse, Chris A. Kaiser, Charles Boone, and Angelika Amon

Chromosome copy number imbalances, or aneuploidy, impose an array of stresses on eukaryotic cells. In this work, synthetic lethal screens identified previously unknown molecular consequences of aneuploidy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including defects in cell wall integrity and impaired protein trafficking capacity. Karyotype-specific effects of chromosomal imbalances are shown to have severe effects on processes such as vesicle transport and endocytosis. As tumor cells are highly aneuploid, this screen suggests that targeting both the chromosome-specific and broad consequences of aneuploidy could have novel therapeutic potential.

SUMO pathway modulation of regulatory protein binding at the ribosomal DNA locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae,

pp. 1377–1394

Jennifer Gillies, Christopher M. Hickey, Dan Su, Zhiping Wu, Junmin Peng, and Mark Hochstrasser

By identifying cellular targets of Ulp2, a yeast SUMO protease, Gillies et al. discovered a role for SUMO-protein modification in ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regulation. The rDNA chromatin-associated proteins Net1, Tof2, and Fob1 were found to be Ulp2 substrates in vivo. All three proteins exhibit reduced rDNA binding in ULP2-deficient cells. This impaired binding is in part mediated by Slx5/Slx8, a heterodimeric SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase. Genetic interactions between ulp2 and either loss or overexpression of rDNA regulatory factors were also observed, underscoring the importance of Ulp2 in the proper function of the rDNA locus.

Phenotypic plasticity promotes balanced polymorphism in periodic environments by a genomic storage effect

pp. 1437–1448

Davorka Gulisija, Yuseob Kim, and Joshua B. Plotkin

Balanced polymorphism promotes adaptation in temporally changing environments, but the evolutionary mechanisms that help maintain polymorphism under such conditions remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism that generates balanced polymorphism under periodically varying selection. When two loci interact to determine fitness, recombination can allow alleles to escape more harmful genetic backgrounds and associate in haplotypes that persist until environmental conditions change. Gulisija et al. quantify the strength of this effect across a range of selection pressures, recombination rates, plasticity modifier effect sizes, and environmental periods.

The genetic basis of haploid induction in maize identified with a novel genome-wide association method

pp. 1267–1276

Haixiao Hu, Tobias A. Schrag, Regina Peis, Sandra Unterseer, Wolfgang Schipprack, Shaojiang Chen, Jinsheng Lai, Jianbing Yan, Boddupalli M. Prasanna, Sudha K. Nair, Vijay Chaikam, Valeriu Rotarenco, Olga A. Shatskaya, Alexandra Zavalishina, Stefan Scholten, Chris-Carolin Schön, and Albrecht E. Melchinger

Hu et al. describe a new approach to genome-wide association studies that allows detection of selective sweeps even under almost perfect confounding of population structure and trait expression. They apply this new test to investigate the genetic basis of maize haploid induction (HI), a phenomenon that underlies a revolution in maize breeding during the last decade. The authors identified three candidate genes involved in DNA or amino acid binding within a 3.97 Mb genome segment required for HI.

Multivariate analysis of genotype-phenotype association

pp. 1345–1363

Philipp Mitteroecker, James M. Cheverud, and Mihaela Pavlicev

For multivariate phenotypes represented by large numbers of measurements, studying pairwise associations between all measurements and all alleles is highly inefficient. Mitteroecker et al. present a new approach that seeks combinations of loci that are maximally associated — in terms of effect size — with combinations of phenotypic variables. This identifies phenotypic features under strong genetic control, together with their associated allele effects. Applying this approach to a mouse sample, the authors found the dimensionality of the genotype-phenotype association was surprisingly low, with important consequences for gene identification.

Quantitative single-embryo profile of Drosophila genome activation and the dorsal-ventral patterning network

pp. 1575–1584

Jeremy E. Sandler and Angelike Stathopoulos

One of the first milestones in Drosophila melanogaster development is the Maternal to Zygotic Transition (MZT), when maternal transcripts in the developing egg are degraded and the zygotic genome is activated. Sandler and Stathopoulos perform single-embryo RNA profiling without amplification to precisely measure transcription during the MZT as gene networks are being activated. Transcripts were quantified for 70 genes at ten time points, providing the first data on absolute numbers of transcripts during Drosophila development. This analysis revealed trends in gene networks including coregulation of target genes and specific temporal input by transcription factors.

Multiple barriers to the evolution of alternative gene orders in a positive-strand RNA virus

pp. 1503–1521

Anouk Willemsen, Mark P. Zwart, Nicolas Tromas, Eszter Majer, José-Antonio Daròs and Santiago F. Elena

In contrast to complex organisms, virus gene order is generally conserved. To better understand conservation of gene order, Willemsen et al. used a plant RNA virus as an in vivo model to explore evolutionary trajectories that result in viable reordered viruses. They identified five barriers to the evolution of alternative gene orders, revealing important constraints on virus evolution. The results of this study could serve as a road map for investigating the factors that constrain or promote the diversity of gene order in a range of organisms.

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…