Presentation Details
| Avian odorant receptors: functional profiling and evidence of gene conversion-mediated evolution Wanting Sun, Robert Driver, Hiroaki Matsunami. Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA |
Abstract
Evolution can be viewed as a dynamitic interplay between forces driving diversification and those fostering unity among species. Gene conversion, the unidirectional transfer of genetic material among homologs, can act to homogenize gene sequences in species-specific ways. While biological relevance is well documented in meiosis and human genetic diseases, its impact on the nervous system, particularly olfaction remains poorly defined. In our lab, we seek to explore this through avian odorant receptors (ORs), where a striking majority of ORs (e.g. 419 out of 473 ORs in chicken) displays extensive gene conversion mediated evolution. This unique genomic landscape allows us to address a fundamental question: How does gene conversion balance molecular stability and adaptive flexibility in sensory evolution? I hypothesize that alterations in the receptor’s odorant ligand binding sites that avoid extensive gene conversion-mediated homogenization promotes functional diversification. Using chicken (Gallus gallus) as a model, my preliminary data suggest distinct odorant response profiles of ORs with high sequence similarity, and vice versa. This finding demonstrates highly structurally similar ORs (>83% similarity) can detect unique odorants, providing support for my hypothesis that through gene conversion ORs evolve to promote functional diversification. Future ongoing work will try to map the functional landscape of chicken ORs and reveal how evolutionary processes shape sensory diversity and environmental responsiveness. Ultimately, this project will establish avian ORs as a model for probing gene conversion in neural systems and recast gene conversion not only as a mechanism of genomic maintenance but also as a driver of functional innovation in the olfactory repertoire.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.