Evolution of Evolvability

Evolvability refers to the capacity of biological systems to generate heritable and adaptive variation. This disposition does not benefit individuals, so evolvability cannot evolve directly by natural selection. But we have shown theoretically that gene regulatory networks that promote evolvability can evolve indirectly though selection for plasticity. So, perhaps organisms can become better at evolving after all?

To test this idea, we must study how evolution in the past influences the capacity to convert genetic mutations into adaptive phenotypes in the future. This calls for experiments on organisms that are small and reproduce fast. We have therefore teamed up with Charlie Cornwallis and his green algae to study the molecular biology of evolvability and its evolution.

We also continue to develop theory on the relationship between plasticity and evolvability. In particular, we are interested in identifying how far we can predict future evolution from knowledge about responses to environmental perturbation.

If you want to know more

Milocco, L. & Uller, T. 2024. Utilizing developmental dynamics for evolutionary prediction and control. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 121:14

Chevin, L-M., Leung, C., Le-Rouzic, A. & Uller, T. 2022. Using phenotypic plasticity to understand the structure and evolution of the genotype-phenotype map. Genetica 150:209-221

Brun-Usan, M., Zimm, R. & Uller, T. 2022. Beyond genotype-phenotype maps: Toward a phenotype-centered perspective on evolution. BioEssays 44:2100225

Brun-Usan, M., Rago, A., Thies, C., Uller, T., & Watson, R. A. 2021. Development and selective grain make plasticity ‘take the lead’ in adaptive evolution. BMC Ecology & Evolution 21:1-17

Noble, D.W.A., Radersma, R. & Uller, T. 2019. Plastic responses to novel environments are biased towards phenotype dimensions with high additive genetic variation. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 116: 13452-13461