Hafen Group, Functional Validation of Genes Associated with Starvation Resistance

We have completed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Drosophila to identify the genetic variations with significant effects on larval starvation resistance (SR). These genetic variations, or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), possibly affect the starvation resistance phenotype through their immediate effects on nearby genes. We have identified more than 70 significant SNP associations and almost 150 genes possibly affiliated with them. Some of these associations might be false positives and many other associations are devoid of biological context. Therefore these associations must be verified by functional assays. 

The set of 150 associated genes contain many promising candidates having either already known or computationally predicted functions which could be vital for starvation responses. Furthermore, many of our candidate genes have homologs in humans which have been associated to blood lipid levels, coronary heart disease, obesity, etc. Considering the fact that basic metabolic and cellular processes have been conserved between Drosophila and human, functional characterization of the identified candidate genes might also have potential implications in human health. 

In this project, you will first determine of the role of our candidate GWAS genes in starvation resistance. Then, the validated candidate genes will be further characterised in more detail, e.g. by looking at expression levels or creating specific mutations. The project involves molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, cloning, real-time RT-PCR, genomic manipulation with CRISPR-Cas9, as well as fly handling, phenotypic assays and use of statistical tests. 

Contact people
Izzet Mehmet Akcay, Katja Koehler

Start
As there are many candidate genes to be characterized, there are several projects. So just write to us to ask for the availability of a project ().

Duration:
3 months / 6 months / more