# EDGE CMT: Defining the mechanistic roles of hyper-divergent regions in gene-by-environment interactions

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Johns Hopkins University (MD) · $900,000

## Abstract

Since Charles Darwin's studies of evolution, the field has been fascinated by adaptation or the process by which a species changes its behavior, physiology, or fitness to match a particular environment through genetic changes. Recently, the principal invstigator has found that genomes of many organisms have previously unknown and unseen regions that likely impact adaptation. This proposal will use cutting-edge genomics, genetic crosses, and high-throughput experiments to measure the effects of the genome on environmental adaptation. Using nematode species, these studies enable the first connections between specific genes that vary significantly among individuals to specific environmental factors. We hope to discover molecular details into how evolution impacts genomes. Additionally, we will use custom-built, low-cost microscopes and lesson plans adapted for middle and high school classrooms to run in-person nematode isolation experiments from the natural environment. Our focus will be to teach evolutionary principles and the fun of field scientific research.
 
Short-read genome sequencing has transformed the fields of quantitative and population genetics. It is straightforward to generate whole-genome sequence (WGS) data for many organisms across a species. This explosion of WGS data across populations has led to the mapping of many quantitative trait loci (QTL), but very few of these QTL have been resolved to the level of quantitative trait genes or variants. This missing

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2524223
- **Awardee organization:** Johns Hopkins University (MD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **PI:** Erik C Andersen
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** EDGE Enabling Discovery through Genomic
- **Estimated total:** $900,000
- **Funds obligated:** $900,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2524223

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2524223, EDGE CMT: Defining the mechanistic roles of hyper-divergent regions in gene-by-environment interactions. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2524223. Licensed CC0.

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