Evolution and innovation in eukaryotic genomes

About the project

Eukaryotic cells display remarkable complexity and diversity at the cellular and genomic levels. This project investigates the evolutionary processes driving innovation in eukaryotes, focusing on mechanisms such as gene fusion, de novo gene invention, and horizontal gene transfer. Using comparative genomics and phylogenetic approaches, we trace the evolution of proteins and genomes to understand both the origins of the eukaryotic cell (eukaryogenesis) and the continued diversification of eukaryotic lineages, particularly in microbial eukaryotes (protists) that dominate the eukaryotic tree of life, yet are vastly understudied. Our work spans large-scale and small-scale analyses into the evolutionary histories of eukaryotic proteins. Small-scale analyses involve studying individual protein families. We are particularly interested in proteins functioning in eukaryotic chromosome architecture, organization and segregation.

Aim of the project

By generating new sequence data of informative yet poorly studied eukaryotes and by implementing cutting-edge bioinformatics tools, we aim to:

1. Understand the role of de novo gene invention during eukaryogenesis Characterize the frequencies and patterns of horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes
2. Reconstruct early eukaryotic ancestors and their genome contents
3. Investigate the evolution of eukaryotic chromosome architecture and genome organization

[Future PhD and postdoc positions to be filled]