Understanding how chromosomes evolve and change, especially the Y chromosome.
Official title: Chromosome evolution and rapid Y chromosome degeneration
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11087535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chromosomes, especially the Y chromosome, change over time in fruit flies and beetles, to help us understand how these changes affect things like sex determination and genetic diversity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $388,319 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151123-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include geneticists, evolutionary biologists, and conservationists interested in chromosome evolution and genetic diversity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic variation or chromosome structure may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolution of chromosomes, focusing on the Y chromosome and its rapid degeneration. By examining the DNA sequences and structures of chromosomes in fruit flies and beetles, the study aims to uncover how centromeres—key components of chromosomes—evolve and affect genetic variation. Using advanced genomic and bioinformatics techniques, researchers will analyze chromosome-scale genome assemblies to identify changes in centromeric sequences and their implications for sex determination and genetic diversity. This comprehensive approach will enhance our understanding of chromosome evolution across species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into genetic variations that influence traits and behaviors in various species, potentially informing conservation and breeding programs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding chromosome evolution in model organisms like Drosophila, indicating that this approach is built on established scientific foundations.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bracewell, Ryan — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Bracewell, Ryan
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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.