Natural and Artifical Genetic Variation in Microbes

One of the main research topics in biology is the identification of the (combination of) mutations that underlie a specific phenotype or physiological adaptation. Many phenotypes and diseases depend on multiple mutations in multiple genes (loci). In many cases, there is a complex interaction between these mutations - a specific mutation may only play a role when other mutations are also present. Complex genetic interactions are present in all forms of life and are responsible for several industrially and medically relevant properties. For example, in microbes, tolerance to stress factors, like high ethanol concentrations and high temperatures, has been shown to depend on multiple genetic loci. While much progress has been made with "single gene" phenotypes, many fundamental questions remain, especially in cases where the phenotype depends on multiple genes and mutations. How do combinations of mutations contribute to a specific phenotype? Are some genomic regions more evolutionary flexible than others?

In this project,

The overall goal of this project is to understand the origin and mechanism of complex genetic interactions. It will pave the way for similar studies in more complex organisms, including crops, livestock and humans. Moreover, the study will yield insight into the genetics of microbial ethanol and heat tolerance, which has important industrial relevance. Last but not least, our study will introduce several state-of-the art technologies at our university, which will support further research in the field of complex genetics.