BATESON · Dissecting genotype-phenotype relationships using high-throughput genomics and carefully selected study populations

A major aim in genome research is to reveal how genetic variation affects phenotypic variation. Here I propose to use high-throughput genomics (whole genome sequencing, transcriptome and epigenome analysis) to screen carefully selected study populations where the chances are particularly favourable to obtain novel insight into genotype-phenotype relationships. The ambition is to take discoveries all the way from phenotypic characterization to the identification of the genes and the actual genetic variant causing a phenotypic effect and to understanding the underlying functional mechanisms. The program will involve a fish (the Atlantic herring), a bird (the domestic chicken) and a mammal (the European rabbit). The Atlantic herring will be studied because it provides unique opportunities to study the genetics of adaptation in a natural population and because of the possibilities to revolutionize the fishery management of this economically important marine fish. We will generate a draft assembly of the herring genome and then perform whole genome resequencing of different populations to reveal the population structure and the loci underlying genetic adaptation. The European rabbit is an excellent model for studying the genetics of speciation due to the presence of two distinct subspecies on the Iberian Peninsula. The domestication of the rabbit is also particularly interesting because it is a recent event (about 1500 years ago) and it is well established that domestication happened from the wild rabbit population in southern France. Finally, the domestic chicken provides excellent opportunities for in depth functional studies since it is both a domestic animal harbouring a rich genetic diversity and an experimental organism.(BATESON is the acronym for this proposal because Bateson (1902) pioneered the study of genotype-phenotype relationships in animals and used the chicken for this work.)