Investigating how fruit flies adapt their gene expression over time
Official title: Evolutionary and functional genomics of genetic novelties and expression adaptation in Drosophila
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11010729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fruit flies change their genes when their environment changes, especially in their reproductive parts, to help us understand how different types of fruit flies adapt to similar surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156525-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in genetic evolution and its implications for adaptation in various species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in genetic research or those not engaged in biological sciences may not find direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the gene expression of fruit flies, specifically Drosophila melanogaster, evolves in response to environmental changes. By examining reproductive tissues, the study aims to identify new gene expressions and their functions using advanced techniques like CRISPR and RNA interference. Additionally, it will explore how different species of Drosophila adapt their gene expression in similar environments, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms behind these adaptations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of genetic adaptations, potentially leading to advancements in genetic engineering and evolutionary biology.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using CRISPR and RNAi techniques to study gene expression in various organisms, indicating a promising approach for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Begun, David J — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Begun, David J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.