Chromosome-wide gene regulation, aneuploidies and chromosome segregation

Aneuploidy, characterized by the loss or duplication of entire chromosomes or chromosomal segments, often compromises overall fitness, and confers proliferative disadvantages.

Despite these challenges, eukaryotic evolution has been significantly influenced by chromosomal rearrangements, including copy-number variations.

Given the pivotal role of aneuploidies in shaping evolution, we hypothesize the existence of evolved mechanisms that can mitigate the gene-dose imbalances associated with aneuploidy. Our research aims to explore these intrinsic mechanisms linked to aneuploidy and to identify the induced responses. We focus on two chromosome-wide systems in fruit flies: the protein POF and the dosage-compensation complex.

Our investigations center around three key objectives: Unravelling the link that we have discovered between chromosome-wide gene regulation and chromosome segregation.Delineating the function of RNA interactions in chromosome-wide regulatory mechanisms.Describing the evolution of chromosome-wide gene regulation and the evolution of sex-chromosomes.

Our model organism, the fruit fly, allows us to dissect the intricate interplay between aneuploidy induction and response, gene expression, and fitness. Until recently, our understanding of how changes in chromosome numbers impact gene expression remains limited.

This proposal represents a significant step toward unraveling the complexities of aneuploidy-induced responses and their implications for evolution.