Charlotte Wright
@charlottewright.bsky.social
Evolution, genomics, butterflies and moths 🦋
Postdoc in the Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute &
Research fellow at Darwin College, University of Cambridge
Postdoc in the Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute &
Research fellow at Darwin College, University of Cambridge
This week we celebrated reaching 1000 lepidopteran genomes in the Tree of Life (ToL) programme @ the @sangerinstitute.bsky.social with butterfly crafts and cake! Many of these genomes were sequenced by the wonderful ToL teams as part of @projectpsyche.bsky.social & the Darwin Tree of Life project 🦋🧬
October 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
This week we celebrated reaching 1000 lepidopteran genomes in the Tree of Life (ToL) programme @ the @sangerinstitute.bsky.social with butterfly crafts and cake! Many of these genomes were sequenced by the wonderful ToL teams as part of @projectpsyche.bsky.social & the Darwin Tree of Life project 🦋🧬
This work was made possible by wonderful co-authors @rogervilalab.bsky.social at @ibe-barcelona.bsky.social and Martin Gascoigne-Pees. Thank you to Dom Absolon for expertly and painstakingly curating this genome and to Mark Blaxter and @marakat.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social!
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
This work was made possible by wonderful co-authors @rogervilalab.bsky.social at @ibe-barcelona.bsky.social and Martin Gascoigne-Pees. Thank you to Dom Absolon for expertly and painstakingly curating this genome and to Mark Blaxter and @marakat.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social!
Do the same features and patterns underlie other instances of rapid chromosomal change?
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Do the same features and patterns underlie other instances of rapid chromosomal change?
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
What else could underlie many fissions?
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
What else could underlie many fissions?
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
Surprisingly, we found telomeric repeat arrays scattered across its chromosomes.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Surprisingly, we found telomeric repeat arrays scattered across its chromosomes.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
W chromosomes are expected to degenerate due to the absence of recombination in female butterflies.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
W chromosomes are expected to degenerate due to the absence of recombination in female butterflies.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
We reconstructed the history of the sex chromosomes. We found that the W chromosomes are derived from homologs of the three autosomes that became sex-linked.
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
We reconstructed the history of the sex chromosomes. We found that the W chromosomes are derived from homologs of the three autosomes that became sex-linked.
Hundreds of autosomes of a similar size were generated by chromosome fission of 23 autosomes over 3 million years. The larger an autosome was, the more chromosomes it fragmented into.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Hundreds of autosomes of a similar size were generated by chromosome fission of 23 autosomes over 3 million years. The larger an autosome was, the more chromosomes it fragmented into.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
By generating a chromosome-level genome of the Atlas blue butterfly (Polyommatus atlantica) we show that this butterfly has 229 pairs of chromosomes: 227 pairs of autosomes, two Z chromosomes and two W chromosomes.
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
September 11, 2025 at 3:22 PM
By generating a chromosome-level genome of the Atlas blue butterfly (Polyommatus atlantica) we show that this butterfly has 229 pairs of chromosomes: 227 pairs of autosomes, two Z chromosomes and two W chromosomes.
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
This work was made possible by wonderful co-authors @rogervilalab.bsky.social at @ibe-barcelona.bsky.social and Martin Gascoigne-Pees. Thank you to Dom Absolon for expertly and painstakingly curating this genome and to Mark Blaxter and @marakat.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
This work was made possible by wonderful co-authors @rogervilalab.bsky.social at @ibe-barcelona.bsky.social and Martin Gascoigne-Pees. Thank you to Dom Absolon for expertly and painstakingly curating this genome and to Mark Blaxter and @marakat.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
Do the same features and patterns underlie other instances of rapid chromosomal change?
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Do the same features and patterns underlie other instances of rapid chromosomal change?
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this. In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
What else could underlie many fissions?
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
What else could underlie many fissions?
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes. We found the Atlas blue had similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
Surprisingly, we found telomeric repeat arrays scattered across its chromosomes.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Surprisingly, we found telomeric repeat arrays scattered across its chromosomes.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
Where in the genome do fissions occur?
We find that fission often took place in the loosely-packed, euchromatic A compartment rather than the tightly-packed heterochromatic B compartment.
We find that fission often took place in the loosely-packed, euchromatic A compartment rather than the tightly-packed heterochromatic B compartment.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Where in the genome do fissions occur?
We find that fission often took place in the loosely-packed, euchromatic A compartment rather than the tightly-packed heterochromatic B compartment.
We find that fission often took place in the loosely-packed, euchromatic A compartment rather than the tightly-packed heterochromatic B compartment.
W chromosomes are expected to degenerate due to the absence of recombination in female butterflies.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
W chromosomes are expected to degenerate due to the absence of recombination in female butterflies.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
We reconstructed the history of the sex chromosomes. We found that the W chromosomes are derived from homologs of the three autosomes that became sex-linked.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
We reconstructed the history of the sex chromosomes. We found that the W chromosomes are derived from homologs of the three autosomes that became sex-linked.
Hundreds of autosomes of a similar size were generated by chromosome fission of 23 autosomes over 3 million years. The larger an autosome was, the more chromosomes it fragmented into.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Hundreds of autosomes of a similar size were generated by chromosome fission of 23 autosomes over 3 million years. The larger an autosome was, the more chromosomes it fragmented into.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
In contrast, the sex chromosomes (Z1 and Z2) remained intact suggesting that sex-linked DNA resists fragmentation.
By generating a chromosome-level genome of the Atlas blue butterfly (Polyommatus atlantica) we show that this butterfly has 229 pairs of chromosomes: 227 pairs of autosomes, two Z chromosomes and two W chromosomes.
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
By generating a chromosome-level genome of the Atlas blue butterfly (Polyommatus atlantica) we show that this butterfly has 229 pairs of chromosomes: 227 pairs of autosomes, two Z chromosomes and two W chromosomes.
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
This is in stark contrast to other species in this genus which have 24 chromosomes!
Do the same features and patterns underlie other instances of rapid chromosomal change?
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this! In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this! In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Do the same features and patterns underlie other instances of rapid chromosomal change?
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this! In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
High-quality genomes by @ebpgenome.bsky.social across eukaryotes will allow us to explore this! In particular, @projectpsyche.bsky.social is sequencing all species of Lepidoptera in Europe. Exciting times ahead!
What else could underlie many fissions? It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes.
We found the Atlas blue has similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
We found the Atlas blue has similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
What else could underlie many fissions? It could be that fissions are fixed by drift in species with low population sizes.
We found the Atlas blue has similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
We found the Atlas blue has similar genetic diversity to closely-related species with stable karyotypes, suggesting genetic diversity does not correlate with extreme fission.
Surprisingly, we found telomeric repeat arrays scattered across its chromosomes.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Surprisingly, we found telomeric repeat arrays scattered across its chromosomes.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
We found a similar pattern in other butterflies which have experienced fission.
These telomeric repeats may facilitate or stabilise chromosome fissions, or alternatively are scars of fissions which were repaired.
Where in the genome do fissions occur? We find that fission often took place in the loosely-packed, euchromatic A compartment rather than the tightly-packed heterochromatic B compartment.
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Where in the genome do fissions occur? We find that fission often took place in the loosely-packed, euchromatic A compartment rather than the tightly-packed heterochromatic B compartment.
W chromosomes are expected to degenerate due to the absence of recombination in female butterflies. However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
W chromosomes are expected to degenerate due to the absence of recombination in female butterflies. However, we find interesting patterns of degeneration - potentially consistent with a history of recombination between the Z and W chromosomes.
We reconstructed the history of the sex chromosomes. We found that the two W chromosomes are derived from homologs of the three autosomes that became sex-linked.
September 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
We reconstructed the history of the sex chromosomes. We found that the two W chromosomes are derived from homologs of the three autosomes that became sex-linked.