Johanna E. Kowalko

Hybrid Solid-Liquid Optics Enable Scalable, High-Resolution, Multi-Immersion Light-Sheet Microscopy

This paper introduces a new optical framework and imaging devices that enable scalable, high-resolution, multi-immersion light-sheet microscopy for biological samples.

Evolution of a central dopamine circuit underlies adaptation of light-evoked sensorimotor response in the blind cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus.

The paper investigates how a central dopamine circuit evolves in blind cavefish to adapt light-evoked sensorimotor responses, revealing its role in behavioral adaptation through functional and genetic analysis.

Cave evolution on repeat: reuse of the same genomic regions across lineages but not across traits in Astyanax mexicanus

The paper investigates genetic repeatability in cavefish traits using QTL mapping, finding shared genomic regions for eye loss but less repeatability for sleep and metabolic traits.

CRISPR screening reveals genetic regulators associated with the evolution of eye degeneration

The paper identifies genetic regulators of eye degeneration in cavefish using CRISPR screening and functional assays.

Widespread loss of sleep in independently evolved populations of wild-caught cavefish

This study examines sleep loss in cavefish populations and finds it is widespread and evolutionarily convergent across multiple lineages.

Analysis of multi-trait evolution across independently evolved cavefish populations reveals shared and independent evolution of suites of cave-associated traits

The paper examines multi-trait evolution in cavefish, finding shared and distinct genetic mechanisms and evidence for pleiotropy or linkage in trait evolution.

Automated behavioral profiling using neural networks reveals differences in stress-like behavior between cave and surface-dwelling Astyanax mexicanus

The paper uses neural networks to analyze stress-like behaviors in cave and surface-dwelling Astyanax mexicanus, finding differences in freezing, bottom-dwelling, and hyperactivity.

Automated profiling of social behaviors to assess the genetic basis of evolution of aggressive behaviors in A. mexicanus

The paper develops an automated machine learning pipeline to quantify aggression-related behaviors in A. mexicanus and finds behavioral differences between surface and cave fish, with correlations suggesting shared genetic mechanisms.

The rx3 gene contributes to the evolution of eye loss in the cavefish Astyanax mexicanus

This study identifies the rx3 gene's role in eye development and loss in cavefish Astyanax mexicanus through CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis and behavioral analysis.

Mutations in the albinism gene oca2 alter vision-dependent prey capture behavior in the Mexican tetra

This study shows that oca2 mutations in Mexican tetra affect prey capture behavior, with albino fish using vision in light and lateral line in dark, impacting competitive success in different environments.

Postprandial sleep in short-sleeping Mexican cavefish

The paper investigates postprandial sleep in Mexican cavefish and surface fish, finding that larvae exhibit postprandial sleep while adults do not, suggesting its role in energy conservation.

Loci associated with cave-derived traits concentrate in specific regions of the Mexican cavefish genome

The paper maps QTL for cave-derived traits in Mexican cavefish and identifies evolutionary hotspots associated with adaptation to the cave environment.

A brain-wide analysis maps structural evolution to distinct anatomical modules

The paper maps structural brain evolution to anatomical modules by analyzing volume and shape variability in cavefish and hybrids.

A chromosome level genome of Astyanax mexicanus surface fish for comparing population-specific genetic differences contributing to trait evolution.

The paper presents a chromosome-level genome of surface fish Astyanax mexicanus and uses it to identify genetic factors contributing to trait evolution in cavefish populations.

Cavefish brain atlases reveal functional and anatomical convergence across independently evolved populations

The paper generates brain atlases of surface and cavefish to identify convergent neuroanatomical and functional changes associated with behavioral evolution.

Evolution of the acoustic startle response of Mexican cavefish

The paper compares the C-start escape response in Mexican cavefish and surface fish, finding evolved differences in response probability and kinematics across populations.

Analysis of stress responses in Astyanax larvae reveals heterogeneity among different populations

The paper analyzes stress responses in Astyanax larvae, finding reduced stress measures and increased glucocorticoid receptor expression in some cave populations.