Molecular and functional evolution of gene families

Various mutational processes create and remove genes. The size of a gene family can be conserved or highly dynamic.
We are interested in the fate of some gene families according to:

• cooption into new functions,
• loss of functions,
• adaptive processes in which they are involved.

Two major axes of research are explored within this framework:

• Molecular and functional evolution of transcription factors involved in the development of vertebrates,
• Molecular adaptation of digestive enzymes in metazoans.

Keywords:
Molecular evolution, gene families, adaptation, development, Evo-Devo, transcription factors, amylase, drosophila, insects, vertebrates, metazoans, Scyliorhinus canicula, Danio rerio, Oryzias latipes, Neoceratodus forsteri, Astyanax mexicanus.

Team members

	Didier Casane Team leader, Professor, University Paris Diderot (Paris 7) Molecular evolution, EvoDevo, Population genomics, Phylogeography.
	Véronique Borday-Biraux Maître de conférences, University Paris Diderot (Paris 7) Teeth/skeleton development and evolution.
	Patrick Laurenti Maître de conférences, University Paris Diderot (Paris 7) Teeth/skeleton development and evolution.
	Jean-Luc Da Lage Chargé de recherche CNRS Molecular evolution.
	Alice Michel-Salzat Maître de conférences, University Paris Diderot (Paris 7) Phylogeography.
	Isabelle Germon Assistant engineer CNRS Molecular biology.

Les membres non-permanents de l’équipe

Julien Fumey Doctorant Bioinformatics, comparative transcriptomics of Astyanax mexicanus.

Les anciens membres de l’équipe :

• Romain Nattier, ATER à l’université Paris Diderot (Paris 7) (2011 – 2013). Phylogéographie des gambusies de Cuba : espèces cryptiques et adaptations aux environnements extrêmes.
• Jessy Castellanos Gell, PhD student (2008 – 2012). Population genetics of three reef fishes around Cuba (Stegastes partitus, Haemulon flavolineatum, Acanthorus bahianus).
• Silvan Oulion, doctorant (2007 – 2010). Evolution des gènes Hox et ParaHox chez les vertébrés.
• Alan Pradel, ATER à l’université Paris Diderot (Paris 7) (2008 – 2010). Phylogénie et évolution des chondrichtyens.
• Cushla Metcalfe, chercheuse associée CNRS (2006 – 2009). Organisation du génome d’un dipneuste (Neoceratodus forsteri).
• Mélanie Debiais-Thibaud, doctorante (2004 – 2008). Évolution des structures dentaires : Approches comparatives des mécanismes moléculaires du développement.