PgmNr P2127: Robustness versus adaptation?

Authors:
P. Jiang 1 ; V. Sergey 2,3 ; M. Kreitman 1 ; J. Reinitz 1


Institutes
1) University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; 2) Institute for Mechanical Engineering Problems, Sankt Petersburg, Russia; 3) ITMO University, Sankt Petersburg, Russia.


Abstract:

For multicellular organisms, a paradox exists between developmental robustness versus evolutionary novelty. On the one hand, in constant environment, robust developmental processes are preferred, in the face of weak or moderate genetic and environmental perturbations. On the other hand, in fluctuating or sudden change of environment, the least robust system will adapt the most quickly. Since environment cannot be in one mode forever, there must exist some balance between the degree of robustness and the ability to evolve. Here we propose a model, taking into consideration genes’ combinatorial and pleotropic effects to determine phenotype for multicellular organisms and changing environment, to explore the relationship between robustness and adaptation. We mainly use forward population genetics simulations approach to address the question. We explored different parameter combinations that give rise to systems with different degree of robustness. We also find some connections of the current model to classic population genetics model.