Tel: +46 18 471 64 60, E-mail: Hans.Ellegren[at]ebc.uu.se

I have a broad interest in genetics and evolution. Along those lines our group has previously been involved in several studies in the interphase between molecular evolution and genomics, on the one hand, and conservation genetics and evolutionary biology on the other. However, during the past 5-10 years, our research has gradually come to focus more and more on general aspects of molecular evolution and evolutionary genomics, that we address using large-scale genomic and bioinformatic approaches. For example, together with Art Arnold (UCLA), David Clayton (University of Illinois) and Wes Warren (Washington University Genome Sequencing Center), I’m coordinating the zebra finch genome sequencing project. The access to a genome sequence from a second bird species will offer immense possibilities for various approaches in comparative genomics.

Generally, we use avian genomes as models for studies of molecular evolution and evolutionary genomics, a strategy motivated by: (1) birds show female heterogamety so any evolutionary aspect relating to sex or sex chromosomes allows hypothesis testing independent from studies based on male heterogametic organisms, (2) there is significant within-genome variation in chromosome size and recombination rate, which facilitates studies comparing the relationship between genome and molecular evolution, and (3) birds are well studied ecologically, for instance, when it comes to sexual selection and life histories; by this, there is potential for uncovering links between genotypes and phenotypes.

An indication of our research interests is given by my publication list. Examples of problems we have been studying include sex chromosome evolution and mutation rate variation in relation to sex and to various genomic parameters. We have also been interested in the mutation process and evolution of microsatellite sequences. We currently try to understand the relative importance of mutation, selection and recombination in shaping the overall levels of polymorphism across the genome. We study the role of both positive and purifying selection in driving the evolution of gene and regulatory sequences, and how this varies in relation to sex-linkage and genome organisation. A particular aim is to study and quantify adaptive evolution at the molecular level.

In addition to studies of DNA sequence evolution, we are increasingly exploring the evolution of gene expression, by using data from microarrays or second generation sequencing technologies to obtain transcriptome profiles. In focus of our research are questions such as the evolution of sex-biased gene expression and the genomic distribution of sexually antagonistic genes.

Finally, a long-term goal of our research is also to identify and study genes and regulatory sequences underlying phenotypic traits under selection in natural populations. Together with Anna Qvarnström at the Dept of Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, we use a well-studied population of collared flycatchers for the development of a genetic map and for subsequent mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Similarly, together with Wolfgang Forstmeier at the Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen, we try to map QTLs underlying morphometric and behavioural traits in a captive zebra finch population.

In 1999 I moved to Uppsala University from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, to take up a Chair in Evolutionary Biology. I have been Head of the Department of Evolution, Genomics and Systematics and am currently Dean of Biology at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Uppsala University. In 2000-2005 I was a Royal Academy of Sciences Research Fellow supported by a grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation.

I have initiated several undergraduate courses in genetics and genomics at the advanced level, including Evolutionary Genetics for Biology students, Molecular Evolution for Bioinformatics students, and Evolutionary Genetics for interdisciplinary Engineering students. These courses generally combine theoretical and practical studies of broad aspects of evolutionary genetics, including molecular evolution, genome evolution and molecular ecology.

Together with Siv Andersson, in 2005 we were awarded a grant (22.5 MSEK) by the Swedish Research Council as one of 10 strong research environments in Sweden. The grant has been used for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Genomics. Recently, I coordinated a joint proposal from the Evolutionary Biology Centre in Uppsala (co-applicants Per Ahlberg, Siv Andersson, Sandra Baldauf, Anna Qvarnström and Jon Ågren) for a large initiative “The Genomics of Phenotypic Diversity in Natural Populations”. In June 2008 this was funded by the Swedish Research Council under their programme for “Linnaeus support”, amounting to 62 MSEK for a period of 10 years.

We regularly recruit new PhD students and post-docs. Those who are potentially interested to join our group should send an informal inquiry, along with a brief description of background and scientific interests. Our group currently consists of the following persons (see photos here):

Johan Lindell, post-doc
Judith Mank, post-doc
Ülo Väli, post-doc
Jochen Wolf, post-doc
Niclas Backström, PhD student
Axel Künstner, PhD student
Kiwoong Nam, PhD student
Malin Johansson, lab technician
Cecilia Wärdig, lab technician

Here is a list of past group members, with their current affiliation.


Hans Ellegren
Department of Evolutionary Biology
Evolutionary Biology Centre
Uppsala University
Norbyvägen 18D
SE-752 36 Uppsala
Sweden

Email: Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se
Phone: +46-18-4716460
Fax: +46-18-4716310