Research Description

Genetics of Fat Storage in the Apple Maggot Fly, Rhagoletis pomonella

The apple maggot fly is an insect that has developed into two sub-populations in response to resource availability. The two sub-populations are differentiated by the fruit they choose to mate and oviposit on, apple or hawthorn. Although they inhabit similar environments, the two sub-populations or "host races" have characteristic genotypes. Since the host plants have different fruiting times and life cycles, the larva of each host race are exposed to different environments. Earlier studies have hypothesized that apple race genotypes have evolved greater fat storage than their hawthorn race counterparts to compensate for exposure to harsher winter conditions. The goal of this research is to identify associations between nutrient storage and genetic markers associated with each host race. Larval samples of the fly have been collected, and data on DNA markers and lipid content will be obtained. Statistical tests will be performed to identify genomic regions that influence lipid storage. The results could reveal insight into the genomic regions and biochemical pathways that control lipid storage in humans.Text