Evolution of Trait Novelties

Biological novelties occur at multiple levels of biological organization from phenotypic changes to changes at the molecular level. Novel traits can allow organisms to evolve to different environments and can eventually lead to the divergence of species. Our research aims to understand how biological novelties evolve and how these traits allow species to adapt and diverge at micro- and macroevolutionary scales. We utilize one of the few vertebrate systems that synthesize their own toxins endogenously: true toads (Bufonidae).

What genes/pathways may underly toxin biosynthesis in true toads?

Synthesized chemical defenses have broadly evolved across countless taxa and are important in shaping evolutionary and ecological interactions within ecosystems. However, the underlying genomic mechanisms by which these organisms synthesize and utilize their toxins are relatively unknown. My work used comparative transcriptomics across ten species of North American toads to uncover potential toxin synthesizing genes and pathways, as well as interspecific patterns of toxin synthesizing genes across the focal species.

Is there inter-kingdom convergence among cardiac glycoside synthesizing organisms?

I am currently working on generating genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiles to understand what molecular mechanisms (genes and pathways) are involved in cardiac glycoside (bufadienolide) biosynthesis in true toads. My hope is to compare these genes and pathways to other cardiac glycoside producing organisms (e.g. foxglove, fireflies) to uncover potential patterns of inter-kingdom convergent evolution at the genotype and phenotypic levels of biological organization.