Project properties

Title Functional analysis of candidate genes for sex ratio in parasitoid wasps
Group Genetics, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 36
Supervisor(s) Bart Pannebakker (GEN), Eveline Verhulst (ENT)
Examiner(s) Bart Pannebakker, Bas Zwaan
Contact info Bart Pannebakker � Laboratory of Genetics � bart.pannebakker@wur.nl � 0317- 485330
Eveline Verhulst - Laboratory of Entomology - eveline.verhulst@wur.nl
Begin date 2023/03/15
End date 2024/03/15
Description Can alternative splicing of candidate genes explain differential sex ratios adjustment in the genetic model parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis?

In this project, you will work on the functional analysis of candidate genes for sex ratio behaviour in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis. Nasonia vitripennis is a model organism for parasitoid research, and as a result has a full suite of genomic tools available. Nasonia is also a very good model system for the study of sex allocation, the allocation of resources into male vs. female function (e.g. offspring sex ratio). Thanks to large body of empirical and theoretical work, we understand this trait very well. However, we do not yet fully understand the genetics underlying this trait, which is important if we want to understand the evolution of this trait completely. Using a genome-wide analysis, we recently have identified several candidate genes, that might explain the variation we see in the wild for this trait.

In this project, you will explore if alternative splicing of these candidate genes can explain differential sex ratios adjustment in this parasitic wasp.

Please note that since this proejct is a collaboration between two labs, you can do this thesis at the Laboratory of Genetics, as well as at the Laboratory of Entomology.
Used skills Learning opportunities in this project:

In-depth molecular analysis of candidate genes: RT-PCR, QPCR, RNAi
Bioinformatic analysis of candidate genes
Behavioural experiments with parasitoid wasps
Requirements For doing this thesis at Genetics, basic knowledge of ecology and molecular biology. For example, obtained through (but not limited to): Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology (GEN20306).

For doing this thesis at Entomology, other requirements are needed (contact Eveline Verhulst if interested).