Genetic basis of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) variation between Drosophila lummei populations

Monday, November 11, 2024

8:48 AM – 9:00 AM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 124 AB, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

SH

Saniya Rose Henderson

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan

Co-Author(s)

Haosu Cong

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
ZW

Zinan Wang (he/him/his)

Assistant professor
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Henry Chung

Assistant Professor
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan

Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play dual roles in desiccation resistance and serve as chemical signals that mediate social interactions. Evolution of CHCs due to environmental adaption may lead to divergence in mating signals and reproductive isolation within species. However, the genetic basis of intraspecific CHC variation often remains understudied. Determining the genetic basis for CHC variation can lead to better understanding the process of ecological speciation. In this project, we investigate a CHC polymorphism in populations of Drosophila lummei collected from Japan and Russia. We showed that these two populations exbibit differences in their profiles. First, we will investigate if these CHC differences also affects differences in desiccation resistance as well as reproductive isolation between the two population. Second, we will investigate the genetic basis for the CHC differences.