Research & Industry

Functional Genomics & Evolution

A wide array of research in evolutionary biology is underway in Biology at the population, community, single species, and individual organism levels of study. This curiosity-driven research has also led to important discoveries in applied science. For example, studies of the evolutionary ecology of Canada geese have produced population management strategies, and investigation of the evolution of bumblebee behaviour has provided economically viable pollination strategies for greenhouse tomato growers. Collaboration has become common in recent years between previously distinct research groups (e.g. molecular genetics and life-history evolution). Indeed, the commonality among many fundamental research and teaching questions involving plants and animals at all scales was a major driving force behind the union of the former departments of Plant Sciences and Zoology into the Department of Biology.

We are also focusing on the growing need for basic research in plant biochemistry and molecular biology. Concerns in this area arise from topics as diverse as the large market demand for 'natural health products' and 'alternative medicines', to the agricultural consequences of rapid changes in global climate. Plant scientists at Western are in a good position to dominate this research niche in Canada. Western Science has internationally recognized prowess in photosynthesis, natural plant products, plant physiology, biochemistry, and developmental biology, led by N.P.A. Huner, a Tier 1 CRC. His team occupies dedicated research space in the new North Campus building. These strengths are complemented by the Department of Chemistry, which has expertise in synthetic organic chemistry of natural and medicinal products, and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, which has expertise in herbal medicine. The recent full sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome has provided an unprecedented opportunity to study plants at the gene, protein and metabolite levels through collaboration among molecular biologists, physiologists and biochemists. Major infrastructure proposals have been awarded to provide additional facilities, including an Institutional CFI-OIT application for a new, 4-storey tower for controlled plant and animal growth facilities unique to Canada (the Biotron).

The sequencing of a number of genomes over the past ten years, including that of humans, is a major milestone in biology. It represents a fundamental shift in how biological mechanism will be investigated. However, sequence information by itself has little meaning. The remaining problem is to determine what the information stored as DNA sequences does. The answer to this question will come from a detailed analysis of biological mechanism, whether they concern generation of animal form in flies, frogs, and fish, neurotransmitter transport, flower formation, or human genetics. Such research also has direct applications, for example, new methods of pest control or plant redesign. We wish to strengthen these areas in Science at Western. The emerging strength in molecular biology and developmental genetics within Biology has been recognized by a CFI-OIT new Opportunities grant and others are planned. We have also designated a CRC for these areas. Likewise, since these subjects are the foundation upon which the new agricultural and medical biotechnologies are based, we have designated a senior research chair in Applied Molecular Genetics as the Campaign western project for Biology.

While the study of functional genomics and evolution is centred in the Department of Biology, other departments within and outside of the Faculty of Science also make significant contributions. The mathematical underpinnings of biology have been strengthened through two Tier 2 CRCs: L. Wahl in Mathematical Biology, and L. Kari in Biocomputing. The diversity of expertise across Science has also favoured development of cooperative programs. For example, Biology and Biochemistry have established a new program in Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which will provide skilled graduates in this growing area of biology. Similarly, biologists are affiliated as Associate Scientists with the Developmental Biology Group of the Child Health Research Institute in London, and other collaborations exist with researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Similar appointments will be pursued to strengthen high quality programs such as Genetics, and to forge stronger links among the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, private and public research institutes, and affiliated hospitals in the London region, particularly in the area of human genetics.