The Genomic Dimensionality of the Response to Natural Selection (2007-2009)

This proposal addresses a central question in evolutionary biology: the genomic dimensionality of a response to natural selection. We will develop new approaches to the experimental design and analysis of microarray experiments that will allow the determination of how many genetically independent traits underlie high-dimensional gene expression data. By simultaneously reducing the dimensionality of microarray data and targeting the analysis at the genetic basis of expression profiles, these approaches will enable transcriptional profiling to uncover the genetic basis of complex adaptations. We propose to apply this new methodology to the high-profile example of reinforcing natural selection in natural populations of Drosophila serrata.