Amanda Larracuente

What do transposable elements, satellite DNAs and meiotic drive systems have in common? They are all selfish DNAs and can spread in genomes and populations without offering any benefit, and many times even causing harm, to their hosts. Our lab integrates genomic, cytological and molecular approaches to study selfish DNA and its impact on genome evolution. Our primary interest is in satellite DNA (repetitive DNA typically found at centromeres and telomeres) and meiotic drive. Lab projects focus on four related areas: I. The functional and evolutionary genomics of satellite DNAs We use genomic, cytological and molecular approaches to study the functional genomics of satellite DNAs and their dynamic evolution across taxa. II. Molecular mechanisms of meiotic drive Meiotic drivers gain a transmission advantage through the germline. We use genetic, genomic and cytological approaches to determine the molecular mechanism of different drive systems. Our primary focus is on the selfish Segregation Distorter complex of D. melanogaster. III. Y chromosome evolution Y chromosomes specialize in male fertility, but are generally gene-poor and dense in repetitive elements such as satellite DNAs. Differences in repeat content between Y chromosomes may impact genome evolution. We use population genomic and molecular methods to study Y chromosome evolution across various Drosophila species. IV. Centromere organization and evolution Centromeres are essential chromosomal regions required for proper chromosome segregation during cell division. Despite their essential function, centromeres evolve rapidly. We combine comparative (epi)genomic and cytogenetic approaches in Drosophila species to study the evolution of centromere organization in Drosophila species. Research Interests - Evolutionary genetics and genomics - Intragenomic conflict and the evolution of selfish DNA - Evolutionary and functional genomics of satellite DNA - Sex chromosome and dot chromosome evolution in Drosophila - Centromere organization and evolution

- Courret, C. and A.M. Larracuente. 2023. High levels of intra-strain structural variation in Drosophila simulans X pericentric heterochromatin. GENETICS. iyad176. https://doi.org/10.1093/genetics/iyad176. - Courret, C., Wei, X., and Larracuente, A.M. 2023. New perspectives on the causes and consequences of male meiotic drive. Curr Opinion Gen & Dev. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gde.2023.102111. - Martí, E. and A.M. Larracuente. 2023. Genetic conflict and the origin of multigene families: implications for sex chromosome evolution. Proc R. Soc. B. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.1823.