Laboratory of Kyle Summers, Ph.D.

Genetic underpinnings of mimicry and color pattern evolution

I am searching for an undergraduate student to carry out research associated with an National Science Foundation (NSF REU) supported project focused on the genetic underpinnings of mimicry and color pattern evolution in a mimetic radiation of poison frogs in Peru (see description below), in the summer of 2018. Desirable qualifications for this position include an interest in the evolutionary biology and genetics of tropical amphibians, and some combination of 1) coursework or experience in evolutionary biology and genetics, 2) experience working in a molecular genetic laboratory, 3) previous work with captive animals (especially amphibians), 4) coursework or experience in bioinformatics or genomics. The position will involve care and maintenance of a captive colony of tropical frogs, monitoring of breeding activity and care of developing tadpoles, collection of samples for genetic and histological analyses, labwork in a molecular genetic laboratory, and computer-based data analyses. The successful applicant will receive a stipend and funds for expenses for 3 months (mid-May through mid-August).

The Department of Biology at ECU is large and multidisciplinary, with strong research groups in evolution, ecology, behavior and genomics: see www.ecu.edu/biology for more information. I encourage applications from minorities and under-represented groups of all kinds. Please send a letter detailing your research interests and experience, as well as a current CV (including coursework and grades), and the names and addresses of two references, to Kyle Summers (summersk@ecu.edu). Please contact me with questions if you would like further information.

The evolution of color pattern diversity in the context of mimicry has been a focus of theoretical and empirical attention, yet knowledge of the genetic basis of this diversity remains limited. This research project combines three research groups with complementary skills and realms of expertise to investigate the genetic basis and population genomic processes underlying color pattern divergence in the context of mimicry in the Peruvian mimic poison frog, Ranitomeya imitator: Dr. Kyle Summers (East Carolina University), Dr. Rasmus Nielsen (UC Berkeley) and Dr. Matthew MacManes (University of New Hampshire). The project focuses on four specific aims: 1. Identify key genetic factors involved in color pattern development in R. imitator by investigating differential gene expression across developmental stages and color pattern morphs. Next generation sequencing will be used to produce developmental stage-specific transcriptomes for each morph, which will be assembled and used to investigate patterns of differential gene expression. 2. Identify the causal gene(s) underlying differences in color pattern between morphs using genome-wide marker arrays (exome capture sequences) to screen transition zone samples and enable admixture mapping. 3. Test the association of specific candidate loci with color pattern using pedigree analyses of candidate genes identified from Aims 1 and 2, using a multigenerational pedigree. 4. Test specific hypotheses regarding selection and demographic processes in the transition zones and between mimics and models. Together these complementary, mutually reinforcing approaches will begin to reveal the genetic underpinnings and population genomics of color pattern diversity in this mimetic radiation of poison frogs.