# Genetic basis and evolution of thermotolerance in the Saccharomyces yeast species

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2022 · $315,335

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The goal of the project is to understand the genetic basis and evolution of thermotolerance in the
Saccharomyces species. Whereas much has been learned about the causes of phenotypic variation
within species, reproductive barriers have limited genetic analysis to closely related, inter-fertile
species. Consequently, we know little about the genetic basis of substantial phenotypic differences
that arise over longer time periods and the importance of evolutionary hotspots and historical
contingency. To overcome this reproductive barrier we will use hybrid, proteomic and transgenic
analysis of yeast species. In Aim 1 we will map thermotolerance in interspecific hybrids using
reciprocal chromosome loss and CRISPR induced mitotic recombination. This will enable us to
measure the combined effects of many genes, but also identify thermotolerance genes and determine:
whether they evolved through the cumulative effects of multiple changes, and whether their effects
depend on changes in other genes. In Aim 2 we will investigate divergence in protein thermal stability
and whether it results in temperature dependent fitness effects not detected by mapping. In Aim 3 we
will examine the reuse of thermotolerance genes during thermal divergence along independent
lineages. Doing so will determine whether thermal divergence requires certain genes or can be
achieved in different ways. Together, these aims will push the limits of interspecific genetic analysis in
order to provide insight into the acquisition of a complex and broadly relevant phenotype that has
taken millions of years to evolve.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10433409
- **Project number:** 2R01GM080669-15
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Justin C Fay
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $315,335
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2007-08-10 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10433409

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10433409, Genetic basis and evolution of thermotolerance in the Saccharomyces yeast species (2R01GM080669-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10433409. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*