Evolution of Tandem Repeat Variants and of Science

Tandem Repeats (TRs) are abundant in genomes, have high mutation rates, and as tiny structural variants, they have well-documented impacts on gene expression and downstream traits.  This makes them compelling as potential targets of selection. Yet, because they are difficult to genotype with short read DNA sequencing, they have been understudied.  I will present our findings using long read sequence data from human and chimpanzees to perform comparative TR analyses, profiling the landscape of TRs across these species and identifying candidates for selection.  

Rori Rohlfs is the Hildegard Lamfrom Associate Professor of Data Science and a member of the Institute for Ecology and Evolution at the University of Oregon.  Her lab studies how genetic variation and subsequent molecular mechanisms contribute to diversity within and between species, as well as the social impacts of technologies based on genetic variation. 

11:50 am- Snacks & Socializing
noon- Talk Begin