Siboglinidae is a family of annelids that are widely distributed in the deep ocean, but little is known about their phylogenetic position and how symbiosis has contributed to their successful colonization of various deep-sea habitats. In this project, we aim to provide an improved phylogenomic framework of Annelida, determine the phylogenetic placement and drivers of evolution of Siboglinidae by revealing the genomic footprints in the four major lineages of Siboglinidae such as how they coordinate metabolism with symbionts to meet their nutritional needs, and how different lineages of siboglinids evolved to exploit different chemosynthetic environments. We also aim to construct a comprehensive genomic database of Annelida with a user-friendly interface to promote the use of genomic resources.
Project Investigator
Professor Qiu Jianwen (BIOL)
Co-principal Investigator
Professor Xu Jianliang (COMP)
Funding
Research Grant Council - Collaborative Research Fund