M. Kucka

Diversifying selection and adaptive introgression of carotenoid-processing genes underlie the evolution of bill color in the long-tailed finch

The paper identifies genetic loci underlying bill color variation in long-tailed finches, showing that yellow alleles arose and introgressed into a red subspecies under natural selection.

Transposable element insertions are associated with Batesian mimicry in the pantropical butterfly Hypolimnas misippus

This study identifies transposable element insertions at the M locus in Hypolimnas misippus that drive adaptive atavism for Batesian mimicry of Danaus chrysippus.

Repeated genetic adaptation to high altitude in two tropical butterflies

This study identifies genetic regions under selection in two tropical butterflies adapted to high altitude, showing that standing variation and introgression from high-altitude specialists contribute to parallel adaptation.

Genetic studies of human-chimpanzee divergence using stem cell fusions

This paper develops a stem cell fusion approach to map human-chimpanzee genetic differences by analyzing gene expression in tetraploid iPSCs and identifying cis- and trans-acting regulatory elements.

Haplotype tagging reveals parallel formation of hybrid races in two butterfly species

Haplotagging reveals parallel formation of a novel hybrid race in two Heliconius butterfly species through divergent haplotypes at major wing pattern loci.

A major locus controls a biologically active pheromone component in Heliconius melpomene

This study identifies a major genetic locus controlling octadecanal production in Heliconius melpomene, a biologically active pheromone component involved in mate choice.

An integrative genomic analysis of the Longshanks selection experiment for longer limbs in mice

This study analyzes the genomic changes in mice selectively bred for longer limbs, identifying polygenic adaptation and major-effect loci linked to bone growth regulation.