Cronn Lab:Research
Douglas-fir Transcriptome Observatory
The basis of climatic adaptation in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) - possibly the most ecologically and economically important conifer in western North America - is poorly understood. This limits our ability to predict population changes to climate and offer science-based prescriptions for management. The Transcriptome Observatory merges a large-scale translocation study with expressed gene (transcriptome) sequencing to define seasonal leaf transcriptomes, and differences in gene expression that define trees from different geographic region. Our goal is to identify genes that contribute to climatic sensing and adaptation in Douglas-fir.
Conifer Evolutionary Genomics
Mitochondrial DNA sequences are the most commonly-used molecule for characterizing animal biodiversity. Our group has adapted Multiplexed Sequencing-by-Synthesis (see Cronn et al., 2008 ([1]) to enable high-throughput genetic analysis of complete animal mitochondrial genomes. This work is being conducted with Michael Schwartz at the USFS Wildlife Genetics Laboratory ([2]), with primary focus on Fisher (Martes pennanti) and other regionally rare carnivores.
Conservation Mitogenomics
Mitochondrial DNA sequences are the most commonly-used molecule for characterizing animal biodiversity. Our group has adapted Multiplexed Sequencing-by-Synthesis (see Cronn et al., 2008 ([3]) to enable high-throughput genetic analysis of complete animal mitochondrial genomes. This work is being conducted with Michael Schwartz at the USFS Wildlife Genetics Laboratory ([4]), with primary focus on Fisher (Martes pennanti) and other regionally rare carnivores.
Development of DNA tools to aid genetic conservation and restoration in false cedars
In western North America, Port Orford-cedar ([5]) and Yellow-cedar ([6]) both show evidence of decline due to a fungal pathogen (Port Orford-cedar) and possiblly climate-mediated stress (Yellow-cedar). These species have exceptional ecological and economic value, and conservation of genetic resources is a focus of USFS activities (see the Dorena Genetic Resource Center ([7]) for an example). We are developing microsatellite markers for these species using Multiplexed Sequencing-by-Synthesis technology. Results to date show that the method is rapid, inexpensive, and can identify tens of thousands of microsatellite-containing sequences. Microsatellites will be used to define the spatial genetic structure in these species, as well as characterize valuable resistant breeding materials.
Antelope Bitterbrush Landscape Genetics
Antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is an important forage and cover shrub in the inter-mountain region of western North America.
