Background
Venoms are complex cocktails composed mainly of ten to hundreds of proteins and peptides, known collectively as toxins. Toxins usually evolve from endogenous proteins that play physiological housekeeping roles and acquire new functions through gene duplications, altered tissue expression, and diversifying selection, rendering them well-suited as models to study the evolution of functional innovation. Moreover, once toxins have evolved, they often undergo continuous functional diversification that is thought to be driven by environmental selection pressures. This dynamic interplay between toxins and the environment suggests the potential for local adaptation at the population level.
Despite their potential in biotechnology and evolutionary research, the venoms of most venomous lineages remain largely or even completely unstudied - especially for many insect orders. Notably, the venom system of the iconic insect order Neuroptera remains to be explored in detail, including the agriculturally important green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea; Stephens, 1836). Although neuropteran adults are not known to be venomous, larvae are ferocious predators that have evolved pincer-like mouthparts from which they release paralyzing and liquefying venom to tackle and ingest prey.
Our research group is currently examining the molecular evolution of toxin genes in the green lacewing within the context of microevolution. To achieve this, we are comparing transcriptomes and venom extractions across different populations of the green lacewing. In addition, we aim to delineate the genetic structure between these populations. We are particularly interested in uncovering how the genomic regions associated with toxins vary at the population level. Furthermore, we seek to ascertain whether the diversity in toxins across these populations can be attributed to variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms and/or genomic structural variants, or if regulatory mechanisms are the driving forces behind the observed diversity.
Master project
The student will focus on addressing the question of (1) testing for genetic structure between the populations of the green lacewing, and (2) how toxins regions vary at the population level compared to the rest of the genome. To explore these questions the student will apply low-coverage population resequencing (2-5x) of the sampled populations and map this data against a pangenome reference we have previously assembled. The student will actively participate in fieldwork, collection of green lacewing samples, and maintenance of specimens in the laboratory. They will also gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques in population genomics and bioinformatics. Furthermore, they will apply population genomics methods to a unique and novel model system. Additionally, the student is encouraged to collaborate on other ongoing projects within our laboratory, which may involve tasks such as working with our experimental population of green lacewings, conducting feeding experiments, or performing toxicity assays.
Project and group
The work carried out by the student will be part of a larger project funded by the Norwegian and European Research Councils, which aims to elucidate the venom system of Neuroptera by combining omics techniques, and comparative molecular and morphological evolution with evolutionary quantitative genetics. This multidisciplinary approach will elucidate the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie the emergence of venoms as complex evolutionary novelties and identify the molecular properties that facilitate or constrain their evolution across micro- and macroevolutionary timescales. Our research group consists of eight members, each specializing in the evolution of venomous species, encompassing both invertebrates and vertebrates. Each member brings their unique expertise and professional networks to the table, offering the student an exceptional opportunity for knowledge acquisition and growth. We foster a collaborative environment through various activities, including a bi-weekly journal club where we engage in discussions of research questions related to venom and evolution in general. Additionally, we hold weekly lab meetings, providing a platform for both presenting and discussing the diverse projects that our group is actively involved in. Beyond our scientific pursuits, we also organize social events that contribute to build up our teamworking environment.