Use genome data to identify potential functional genes in tiger snake gigantism and dwarfism

Posted on Jan 1 2019 by Sam Le Gallou

Bioinformatics project identifying potential functional genes involved in tiger snake body size gigantism/dwarfism using whole genome data.

^{Eastern tiger snake - Matt from Melbourne, Australia [CC BY 2.0]}

Researcher Vicki Thomson's research focuses on the evolution and adaptation of tiger snakes, with special emphasis on how island populations have diverged from the mainland over both long and short timeframes.

Current research includes:

population genomic approaches to understanding the spatial genetic diversity of tiger snakes;
evolution of venom to different suites of prey species;
development of gigantism and dwarfism in body size on islands;
head size and shape differences at the population level;
evolution and adaptation of skin pigment between populations and in response to UV light exposure; and
epigenetic regulation of phenotypic plasticity.