Investigation of the Vitória Trindade chain as a barrier to gene flow in Colpomenia sinuosa Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)

• Grant number: 23/01413-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Sónia Cristina da Silva Andrade
• Grantee: Sónia Cristina da Silva Andrade
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06738-8 - Seascape genetics and comparative genomics: an integrative evolutionary approach in marine invertebrates, AP.BTA.JP2
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/12803-2 - Investigation of the Vitoria-Trindade chain as a barrier to gene flow in Colpomenia sinuosa (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae), BP.JD

Abstract

Barriers to gene flow are represented by historical geology and vicariant events that interrupt gene flow which are intrinsically associated to the formation and maintenance of most phylogeographic breaks. The Vitória and Trindade chain (latitude 20.5º S) is likely the main geographic barrier to gene flow for marine organisms from the Brazilian coast. This region splits the Brazilian coast into two regions, especially during the earlier Quaternary glacial maximum periods, when the sea level was lower than current. Thus, the objectives of this project are to investigate the effects of the Vitória and Trindade chain, as a barrier to gene flow for the brown macroalgae Colpomenia sinuosa, in addition to estimate the contribution of extant ocean currents to the maintenance of the biodiversity. For this, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) molecular markers will be applied. This represents a relatively new technology which has not yet been applied to Brazilian marine macroalgae and has enough resolution to identify population differences in nearby populations. Using these markers, we will carry out several phylogeographic analyzes to understand the species' genetic variability distribution. Along with ecological niche modeling, to understand the distribution of the species in space and time, especially during the last glacial maximum. In addition, we will test the populations connectivity through dispersal by oceanic currents using oceanic currents models. Thus, we expect to identify, quantify and describe the true main geographic barrier to the gene flow between the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo for Colpomenia sinuosa, in addition to identify the historical and contemporary processes shaping its formation and maintenance. (AU)