Evolutionary developmental genomics of pollinator shifts
Plant evo-devo has focused primarily on the evolution of the regulatory networks involved in transitions in floral organ identity, flower symmetry, and flowering time, but little attention has been paid to other modifications that occur downstream these developmental processes. My research in this area is focused in understanding the role that changes during flower developmental have on flower color, petal epidermal surface, and nectar and scent composition. I use a combination of morphological, biochemical analyses combined with comparative genomics (RNA-seq and whole genome sequencing).
My research in this area in focused on a group of species from the Macaronesian region as a model system. These include the Macaronesian Lotus and a group of three Malvaceae species (Lavatera maritima, Lavatera acerifolia and Naveae phoenicea). These two groups contains species with contrasting floral phenotypes adapted to attract different pollinators. In particular, my research is centered on these specific topics:
My research in this area in focused on a group of species from the Macaronesian region as a model system. These include the Macaronesian Lotus and a group of three Malvaceae species (Lavatera maritima, Lavatera acerifolia and Naveae phoenicea). These two groups contains species with contrasting floral phenotypes adapted to attract different pollinators. In particular, my research is centered on these specific topics:
Evolutionary developmental biology of petal epidermal surface
Petal epidermal surface plays a crucial role in plant-pollinator interactions and the type of epidermal surface is generally associated with specific pollinators. For instance, papillose conical cells (PCS) have been linked with insect pollination where it influences flower perception and gripping.
The genetic basis of this floral trait has been determined in some models systems, but it has not been investigated in an integrative approach with trichome development during pollinator shifts.
The genetic basis of this floral trait has been determined in some models systems, but it has not been investigated in an integrative approach with trichome development during pollinator shifts.
Flower color change as a model system in evo-devo
Red/orange flowers are usually associated with bird pollination, however, it is not completely understood the mechanisms or its evolution and the developmental changes involved in this floral trait. Lotus contains species that modify color after anthesis on the entire flower, or partially in some petal types after anthesis. It also have closely related species with contrasting colors associated with different pollinator agents. Thus, represents an ideal system to study the evolution of this floral trait.
Evo-devo of scent and nectar composition
Nectar and scent composition are two floral traits usually associated with particular pollinators. The genetic basis of scent has been investigated in moth pollination, but it is still unexplored in shifts to bird pollination. Hexose is the main sugar in the Macaronesian bird-pollinated Lotus, but their genetic basis, as well its modifications during this transition it is still mainly unexplored.
