The role of genetic and environmental factors in driving gene regulatory rewiring patterns

How does novelty arise in evolution? Is the process solely based on chance or might we be able to discern rules for the evolution of innovation? Are there genetic or environmental factors that might predispose particular adaptive routes over others to the evolution of novelty? Work from my lab addresses these questions using a combination of molecular genetic manipulations and experimental evolution, within the context of gene regulatory networks, using a bacterial model system. We have shown that pre-existing gene regulatory network structures bias repurposing of certain transcription factors by facilitating promiscuity. And that, transcription factor activity (and by extension the environment) has the potential to drive adaptive potential for regulatory rewiring and innovation. These insights advance our understanding of the evolutionary accessibility of particular transcription factors for innovation, with broad implications for understanding and predicting bacterial adaptation to novel environments.