A lectin receptor-like kinase controls self-pollen recognition in Phlox (Polemoniaceae)

Graduate student Grace Burgin and Hopkins lab undergraduate researcher Nia Lewis identify Phlox drummondii Pistil Identity Receptor Kinase (PdPIRK) as the gene responsible for self-pollen recognition in Phlox, revealing a novel self-incompatibility mechanism. The findings highlight striking parallels with the Brassicaceae SI system, suggesting conserved evolutionary pathways in the molecular evolution of self-recognition. Full reading can be found here.

Variation in response to water availability across Phlox species

This study by Hopkins lab graduate student Christina Steinecke examines how three closely related Texas Phlox species and their hybrids respond to water limitation, revealing that drought-induced trait plasticity varies independently from environmental niche breadth. The findings suggest that phenotypic plasticity and ecological niche expansion may evolve through distinct evolutionary pathways. You can find the full article here.

The genetic architecture of quantitative variation in the self-incompatibility response within Phlox drummondii (Polemoniaceae)

Graduate student Grace Burgin and Prof. Hopkins dissect the variation in self-incompatibility within Phlox drummondii as it arises from a polygenic genetic architecture, with multiple genomic regions – including a newly mapped S-locus which contributes to the transition toward self-compatibility. The findings highlight diverse genetic pathways through which mating system evolution can occur in flowering plants. Read more about it here.

Unveiling Nature’s Secrets: Exploring Selfing in Phlox cuspidata

Prof. Robin Hopkins alongside graduate students Bushra M. Shahid and Grace A. Burgin discuss selfie in Phlox cuspidata through experimental and genetic analysis. Read more about it here.

Fluttering Pollinators: A Comprehensive Journey Through Each Stage of Phlox drummondii Pollination

Embarking on the intricate journey of pollination biology, this research unveils the hidden connections between the wildflower Phlox drummondii and its primary pollinator. Beyond the predictive power of floral syndrome traits, this empirical study offers a nuanced exploration, confirming the anticipated role of Lepidoptera in this floral dance.

By: Robin Hopkins, Grace A. Burgin, Olivia Bronzo-Munich, Austin G. Garner, Izzy A. Acevedo. You can read the research here

A cis-regulatory point mutation at a R2R3-Myb transcription factor contributes to speciation by reinforcement in Phlox drummondii

Austin G Garner, Andrew C Cameron, Andrea E Berardi, Robin Hopkins. 2023. A cis-regulatory point mutation at a R2R3-Myb transcription factor contributes to speciation by reinforcement in Phlox drummondii. biorxiv. [PDF]

A multi-dimensional selective landscape drives adaptive divergence between and within closely related Phlox species.

Benjamin Goulet-Scott, Matthew C Farnitano, Andrea LM Brown, Charles O Hale, Meghan Blumstein, Robin Hopkins. 2023.A multi-dimensional selective landscape drives adaptive divergence between and within closely related Phlox species. biorxiv. [PDF]

Genomics highlight an underestimation of the urban heat island effect on red oak phenology

Megan Blumstein, Sophie Webster, Robin Hopkins, D Basler, DL Des Marais. 2022.Genomics highlight an underestimation of the urban heat island effect on red oak phenology. biorxiv. [PDF]

Phylogenomic patterns of divergence and gene flow detail the evolution of reinforcement and hybrid speciation in Phlox wildflowers

Austin Garner, Ben Goulet-Scott, Hopkins Robin. 2022. Phylogenomic patterns of divergence and gene flow detail the evolution of reinforcement and hybrid speciation in Phlox wildflowers. bioRxiv.[PDF]

Predicting how pollinator behavior causes reproductive isolation

Hopkins Robin. 2022. Predicting how pollinator behavior causes reproductive isolation. Ecology and Evolution.[PDF]