Genetics diversity informs human history and shows evolution in action

More than 150 years after Charles Darwin pondered the evolution and origin of species, assistant professor of genetics Bret Payseur is investigating similar questions — but with decidedly more modern tools.

Payseur uses patterns of DNA variation in the genomes of humans and house mice to identify key similarities and differences within and between species and better understand evolutionary processes. He studies genetic mechanisms that give rise to new species and how mutations contribute to genome-wide patterns of diversity.

One extreme example is an unusual population of house mice found on remote Gough Island in the south Atlantic. In just 200 years of isolation, the Gough Island mice have become twice as large as their mainland counterparts and have developed a rare carnivorous diet, preying on seabird chicks.

Wisconsin Week: How did you first get interested in evolutionary genetics?

Payseur: I first became interested in genetics because I was puzzled by differences between my brother and me. My first real interest in evolution was catalyzed by my fascination with human origins and the fossil record. I was really excited in graduate school when I learned that genetics could be used to understand evolution.

WW: What about your field or work do you think surprises people the most?

BP: The amazing ways that patterns of DNA diversity inform us about human history.

WW: What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned?

BP: One of the reproductive barriers that keep new species of house mice distinct seems to be caused by a major structural change to the sex chromosomes. This change could play an important role in speciation.

WW: What do you enjoy most about your work?

BP: I love that moment of discovery — the first look at results you suspect no one else has ever seen. I especially enjoy working with graduate students to unravel biological mysteries.

WW: What outcomes do you see from your work for society?

BP: The predominant approach to looking for genes that underlie common human disease is focused on genetic diversity in populations. Our research on human genetic diversity contributes to this framework. I hope my work provides examples of evolution in action that interest people and help them understand the evolutionary process.