Projects

DOMISOL (2020-2024) - Domestication as a step towards reproductive isolation - Funded by ANR (France)

Project leader: M Tenaillon, Co-PI : S Glémin, Y Vigouroux, C Dogimont

Scientists involved from our team : Y Vigouroux

Climate changes result in increased crop vulnerability. Compared with domesticated forms (D) monitored by humans, wild related forms (W) have been facing continuous challenges in their natural habitats. They hence constitute an untapped reservoir of adaptive alleles, whose use to improve crops is ultimately conditioned by cross compatibilities. DomIsol aims at characterizing the extent and molecular nature of reproductive barriers at an early stage of their establishment in 14 W/D systems, that cover a gradient of molecular divergence. We will investigate the links between the strength of reproductive barriers, historical, phenotypic and genomic divergence. We will refine our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive isolation. Our project is an exceptional opportunity to produce both a unique genetic material and unprecedented genomic data that will be useful for the research and plant breeder’s communities.

Associated publications:

Le Corre V, Siol M, Vigouroux Y, Tenaillon MI, Délye C (2020) Adaptive introgression from maize has facilitated the establishment of teosinte as a noxious weed in Europe. PNAS 117(41):25618-25627