Understanding the genetic mechanisms that facilitate local adaptation in the genomics era

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Part of the NOAA ‘Omics Seminar Series

Title: Understanding the genetic mechanisms that facilitate local adaptation in the genomics era

Presenter: Wes Larson, Genetics Program Manager, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Sponsor: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ‘Omics Working Group

Seminar Contact: Katharine Egan, NOAA OAR 'Omics Coordinator, noaa.omics@noaa.gov

Remote Access: Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8002019548042691851

Abstract: Multiple studies have documented regions of the genome that are highly differentiated among populations and are likely important for facilitating local adaptation. These regions, termed islands of divergence, hold many clues about how organisms adapt and how they may respond to future environmental changes. Here, I describe research we have conducted in two very different systems with the shared goal of understanding the mechanisms that facilitate local adaptation and create islands of divergence. First, I describe a project using genomic data from six riverine fish species found in the Upper Mississippi River to test the hypothesis that higher gene flow should lead to more prolific islands of divergence. Next, I discuss an ongoing study using whole genome resequencing to understand the mechanisms that have created islands of divergence in sockeye salmon. This seminar will serve as an introduction to islands of divergence that will include theory and empirical data from our research group. In future seminars throughout this spring other members of our research group will discuss the importance of islands of divergence in managed fish species such as Pacific cod and Pacific Ocean perch.

Bio: Wes is originally from San Diego in California where his passion for the ocean and fish was ignited during countless hours spent on outdoors activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, fishing and snorkeling, as well as deckhanding on a sportfishing boat. Wes received his BS in Marine Biology from the University of California-Santa Cruz and subsequently his PhD from the University of Washington. In his PhD Wes focused on applying genomic tools to study local adaptation of pacific salmon and inform fisheries management. After finishing his PhD in 2015, Wes worked as the Assistant Unit Leader of the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, where he led a research program that generated genetic information to inform fisheries management. In 2020, he started as the new program manager for the genomics program at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Juneau. His main research interests are applying genomic techniques to inform fisheries management and study local adaptation.

Recordings: View past ‘omics seminar recordings here: https://sciencecouncil.noaa.gov/NOAA-Science-Technology-Focus-Areas/NOAA-Omics

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{Wes Larson, Genetics Program Manager, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center}