Environment-dependent balancing selection in a sexually selected gene.

The project investigates the maintenance of polymorphism in Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6Pgdh) —a sexually selected gene associated with inter-locus sexual conflict in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. Polymorphism in this gene is associated with differences in male reproductive success and males bearing allele providing advantage in male-male competition decrease fecundity of their female partners. Previous studies suggest that polymorphism in this gene is maintained by environment-dependent balancing selection, but the exact mechanisms driving selection patterns are unknown. The project  combines diverse methods (including experimental evolution, field work, laboratory fitness assays and genomics) to comprehensively test for ecological factors that enable polymorphism to persist in natural populations and to look for the signatures of balancing selection. 

PSP Project No: K/PBO/000717

PI: Dr Agata Plesnar-Bielak

Project duration: 22.05.2020 - 21.12.2024

Funder: National Science Centre in Poland (NCN)