Dr. Martin Kapun

Drosophila population genomics
Understanding the distribution of genetic variation in natural populations is the key to decipher the mechanisms underlying adaptation. Since the advent of next-generation sequencing it is possible to study allele frequency differences on a genome-wide scale. I am interested in detecting genomic variation, which allowed Drosophila melanogaster, an organism previously restricted to Sub-Saharan Africa, to colonize non-tropical environments. Using whole genome analyses and bioinformatics, I am interested in studying population genomic patterns and to detect adaptive candidate loci in populations collected in diverse environments and in selection/experimental evolution lines.

Functional basis of natural variation in Drosophila life history
The range expansion of Drosophila melanogaster to non-tropical, temperate environments has imposed many challenges and has led to a number of important adaptations, including major changes in life history traits (for example, the evolution of reproductive diapause and associated phenotypes such as lifespan and stress resistance). Using Drosophila genetics and functional genomics, I am interested in investigating the effects of candidate genes and polymorphisms on life history physiology. In a related approach, I am interested in functionally characterizing life history candidate genes and polymorphisms from selection/experimental evolution experiments.

Evolution of chromosomal inversions in Drosophila
Chromosomal inversions represent structural mutations, which are pervasive and widespread in most organisms, including many species of Drosophila. Inversions likely play a key role in genomic evolution as they strongly influence recombination rates. I am particularly interested in better understanding the role of inversions in shaping patterns of genetic variation and how they are involved in adaptation. I am planning to use both experimental and genomic approaches to gain further insights into how inversions impact evolutionary dynamics and phenotypic evolution, especially with regard to life histories.



Member of Kawecki group

Biophore - CH-1015 Lausanne
Tel. +41 21 692 41 60
Fax +41 21 692 41 65