Chromosomal rearrangements remodel the chromosomes and can fundamentally change the proximity of genetic loci, order, orientation of chromosomes. Much remains to be discovered about how chromosomal rearrangements influence gene interactions and recombination rates. The Neotropical butterfly tribe Ithomiini (family Nymphalidae, order Lepidoptera) offers an ideal system to address this knowledge gap, as its over 400 species that show extensive chromosomal rearrangements.
The high rates of chromosomal rearrangements that Ithomiini have is thought to drive their rapid diversification. The recombination landscape which contributes to the m aintenance of genetic diversity in populations has also been shown to be when chromosomal rearrangements occur.
In my project, I seek to find out whether large scale chromosomal fusions and fissions disrupt conserved chromatin structures like TADs and chromosomal compartments, and how these disruptions might affect gene expression and recombination patterns that could drive speciation. I employ Hi-C contact mapping and other computational analyses to visualize and quantify chromatin architecture and recombination rates.
Looking forward, I am interested in expanding my understanding of how genome organization influences adaptation and speciation. I am also motivated to improve my bioinformatics skills and continue developing computational expertise and analytical approaches that enable rigorous investigation of complex genomic questions.
My timeline
MPhil student | Cambridge University; Wellcome Sanger Institute Investigating the Effect of Chromosomal Rearrangements on Gene Interactions and Recombination rates in Ithomiini Butterflies
Bioinformatician University of York Analysis of bulk rna seq data
Makerere Biomedical Research Centre: Makerere University Worked on HIV proteomics for P24 capsid protein sequences. Used AlphaFold2 to generate 3D protein structures for the protein sequences. Generated and visualized 3D protein structures using various software.
MRC / UVRI AND LSHTM UGANDA RESEARCH UNIT : Entebbe, Nakiwogo Investigated the genetic determinants of suicidal risk among the general population cohort in Uganda. Developed proficiency in statistical genomics, bioinformatics, and data analysis.
Trainee/Collaborator Biodev Network :Wellcome Sanger Institute Remotely worked on a project entitled: Recombination and mutation rate estimation in Ithomiini butterflies. Had virtual training in genomics and worked on a project in Genome Evolution.