Thesis defence by Antoin Houtain (Biology)

Title: Genome dynamics and DNA repair in the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga

First, genome assembling methods were compared to avoid contamination with "haplotigs" in haploid assemblies, to obtain chromosome-scale assemblies for the study of the evolution of the A. vaga genome. With the best assembly strategies identified, the structure of the A. vaga genome is described, providing evidence for the existence of homologous chromosome pairs and homologous recombination. In addition, the thesis describes for the first time a transgenerational DNA repair mechanism in an animal species, providing new information on the survival mechanisms of A. vaga under extreme environmental conditions. It further explores how long-term asexuality, coupled with intra-individual homologous recombination, impacts the dynamics of transposable elements, genome heterozygosity and allele expression. Finally, preliminary results on population genomics in Adineta spp. and the possibility of programmed DNA elimination in Adineta spp. are presented.

More information in French.

Antoine will present the results of his PhD thesis, conducted in the Research Unit of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE) under the supervision of Karine Van Doninck (co-tutelle with the ULB).
 

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