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 Lecturer, University Paris Diderot (Paris 7) Teeth/skeleton development and evolution.
	Jean-Luc Da Lage Researcher CNRS Molecular evolution.
	Alice Michel-Salzat Lecturer, University Paris Diderot (Paris 7) Phylogeography.
	Isabelle Germon Assistant engineer CNRS Molecular biology.
	Magalie Bonneau Technician CNRS Molecular biology.

Non permanent members

Maxime Policarpo PhD student Sensory systems evolution in cavefishes.

Past members of the team :

• Patrick Laurenti, Lecturer (2004 – 2017), Odontogenesis and squelettogenesis in vertebrates: morphological and molecular approaches.

• Julien Fumey, PhD student (2013 – 2016), Tempo and mode of the evolution of the cave populations of the  Astyanax mexicanus species.

• Romain Nattier, ATER at university Paris Diderot (Paris 7) (2011 – 2013). Phylogeography of the gambusies of Cuba: cryptic species and adaptations to the extreme environments.

• Jessy Castellanos Gell, PhD student (2008 – 2012). Population genetics of three reef fishes around Cuba (Stegastes partitus, Haemulon flavolineatum, Acanthorus bahianus).

• Silvan Oulion, PhD student (2007 – 2010). Evolution of the genes Hox and ParaHox to vertebrates.
• Alan Pradel, ATER at uiversity Paris Diderot (Paris 7) (2008 – 2010). Phylogeny and et evolution of chondrichtyens.
• Cushla Metcalfe, research associate CNRS (2006 – 2009). Organization of a dipneuste (Neoceratodus forsteri) genomic.
• Mélanie Debiais-Thibaud, PhD student (2004 – 2008). Evolution of the dental structures: comparative Approaches of the molecular mechanisms of the development.