Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
Mitonuclear Interactions and Coadapted Mitotypes: Key Determinants of Phenotypic Plasticity in Response to Environmental Changes
Mitonuclear Interactions and Coadapted Mitotypes: Key Determinants of Phenotypic Plasticity in Response to Environmental Changes
Authors: Josefina Rodriguez, Jessica E. Beskid, Madison N. Muscente, Madeleine B. Panek, Josefina N. Rodriguez, Valentina I. Peña
Authors: Josefina Rodriguez, Jessica E. Beskid, Madison N. Muscente, Madeleine B. Panek, Josefina N. Rodriguez, Valentina I. Peña
Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Mentor: Heather Fiumera, Biological Sciences; Anthony Fiumera, Biological Sciences
Mentor: Heather Fiumera, Biological Sciences; Anthony Fiumera, Biological Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
Mitochondria respond to metabolic needs and oxidative stress through interactions between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear genomes. Yeast strains with original mtDNA-nuclear genome combinations grow better in natural habitats than strains whose mtDNAs were replaced with different mtDNA variants. We hypothesize that coadapted mitonuclear genotypes will also respond better to changing environments. To test this, we phenotyped 225 strains (15 nuclear x 15 mtDNAs) in heterogeneous conditions likely experienced by yeast in natural habitats, including high and low sugar and oxygen concentrations. We expect strains with coadapted mitonuclear genotypes to rapidly shift their metabolic pathways and maintain higher growth rates compared to synthetic mitonuclear genotypes. This work will provide insight into mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity.
Mitochondria respond to metabolic needs and oxidative stress through interactions between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear genomes. Yeast strains with original mtDNA-nuclear genome combinations grow better in natural habitats than strains whose mtDNAs were replaced with different mtDNA variants. We hypothesize that coadapted mitonuclear genotypes will also respond better to changing environments. To test this, we phenotyped 225 strains (15 nuclear x 15 mtDNAs) in heterogeneous conditions likely experienced by yeast in natural habitats, including high and low sugar and oxygen concentrations. We expect strains with coadapted mitonuclear genotypes to rapidly shift their metabolic pathways and maintain higher growth rates compared to synthetic mitonuclear genotypes. This work will provide insight into mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity.