About us
In the Runemark lab at Lund University we are interested in identifying how variation arises and the processes by which it sorts into new species, as well as which ecological settings and factors that promote these processes. Genomics is a main tool in our research. In this organization we gather useful pipelines, workflows and scripts that talented students have contributed while working in the Runemark lab. The resources span variant calling workflows and population genomics, analysis of gene expression, genetic analysis of museum samples, de novo assembly and genome annotation. We are part of the
SPACE (SPeciation, Adaptation and Co-Evolution) group, where we collaborate with Magne Friberg, Øystein Opedal and Maja Tarka.
Please get in touch if you are interested in hearing about opportunities for post doc funding or in MSc-projects within the lab.
Our research
Hybridization derived novel patterns of gene expression
HybridExpress is an ERC-funded project focusing on how hybridization can result in novel variation. We use independent lineages of hybrid Italian sparrows (Passer italiae) on Mediterranean islands as a study system to address if hybridization can generate novel patterns of gene expression.
The genomic changes enabling colonization of a new niche
In a Swedish research council funded project aimed at disentangling the genomic basis of speciation we use a host plant shift in the Tephritid fly Tephritis conura as a model system. Specifically, we are focusing on the roles of coding genetic differences and gene expression in adaptation to a novel host plant, and taking advantage of the presence of both older discrete host plant races infesting Cirsium heterophyllum and C. oleraceum in continental Europe, and a more recent host expansion of the flies infesting C. heterophyllum where some lineages now are adapting to C. palustre thistles.
Towards genomically informed conservation
In a project aimed at understanding the funded by the Swedish government research council for sustainable development, FORMAS, we address how we can inform conservation of evolutionary potential in species in anthropogenically altered landscapes using genomic tools, with specific focus on loss of genetic diversity over time.
The genomic basis of floral scent in Arabis and Lithophragma
In close collaboration with Magne Friberg, we are investigating the genomic basis of complex floral traits important for interactions between pollinators and plants, including scent.
