Ian M. Dworkin
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Toronto, 2004
56 Giltner Hall
Office Telephone: 517-432-6730
idworkin@msu. edu
Research website
Phenotypic Variation and Evolution
Broadly speaking, our lab studies the genetic basis of phenotypic variation and evolution. Primarily using the fruit-fly, Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, we have explored questions with respect to trait variation (i.e. why do some individuals vary more than others for a given trait). In addition, we also exploring how traits co-vary together, and the genetic basis of this covariation. Specific areas of interest are 1. Genetic of Shape: The Drosophila wing; 2. Cryptic Genetic Variation; 3. Experimental Evolution; and 4. Canalizationton.
Representative Publications
Dworkin, I. and C.D. Jones. 2007. Genome decay during the evolution of host specialization in Drosophila sechellia. Genetics. In Revision.
Hall, C.M. I. Dworkin, M.V. Ungerer, M. Purugannan. 2007. Genetics of canalization in Arabidopsis thaliana. PNAS USA. 104(34): 13717-13722. PDF. supplemental file.
Dworkin, I., W. Lee, F. McCloskey, and E. Larsen. 2007. Complex genetic interactions govern the temporal effects of Antennapedia on antenna-to-leg transformations in Drosophila melanogaster. In Press. Journal of Genetics. 86(2): PDF Proofs.
Dworkin, I. and G. Gibson. 2006. EGF-R and TGF-ß signalling contributes to variation for wing shape in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics. 173:1417-1431. PDF. supplemental file.
Emlen, D.J. S. Szafran, L. Corley. Dworkin, I. 2006. Candidate genes for the development and evolution of beetle horns. Heredity. 97:179-91. PDF.