Let's talk about bruno: Using QTL mapping and CRISPR HDR to uncover causative variants of differences in dysgenic sterility in Drosophila melanogaster.

Transposable elements (TEs) are widespread genetic parasites that proliferate and increase in copy number in the germlines of organisms in order to guarantee transmission to offspring . While TEs are predominantly vertically transmitted, they occasionally invade new host genomes via horizontal transfer between species. In the absence of piRNA-mediated regulation, P-elements cause germline DNA damage, which can lead to a sterility syndrome called hybrid dysgenesis. Phenotypic variation exists within the offspring of dysgenic crosses made with sterile and fertile strains of flies. Our goal is to uncover genes that determine this phenotypic variation. ; Honors College ; Biology and Biochemistry, Department of