Phillips Lab Research Overview

In the Phillips Lab at Oregon State University, we use fruit fly experimental evolution to study the evolutionary forces and molecular mechanisms that shape complex trait variation. Our research is driven by fundamental questions in biology, such as:

• Why do some individuals live longer and age “better” than others?
• What molecular mechanisms drive differences in disease susceptibility?
• How are genetic changes reflected in molecular phenotypes? 

By subjecting fruit fly populations to carefully controlled selective pressures over many generations, we can dissect the genetic, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms underlying observed shifts in trait variation as they adapt.

Key Research Areas

1. Aging and Longevity
We study populations of fruit flies selectively bred for early reproduction, which results in an accelerated aging pattern characterized by fast development but drastically reduced lifespan. Our recent efforts have shown that this accelerated aging phenotype is linked to extensive metabolic remodeling - particularly in mitochondrial function and NAD+ availability. Our current aim to identify key biomarkers of aging in this system and test interventions that may counteract age-related decline.

2. Variation in diabetes susceptibility
Our lab is also investigating how fruit flies evolve resistance to the negative effects of high-sugar diets. By characterizing changes in gene expression, metabolomic profiles, and physiological traits in this system we hope to better understand the factors that shape differences in type 2 diabetes susceptibility.  
​
3. Evolutionary Processes and Molecular Biology
Lastly, across all of our studies, we aim to generate novel insights into how evolution plays out across different levels of biological organization (e.g. from genome to transcriptome to metabolome to phenotype). We are particularly interested in how the genetic redundancy often thought to be part of polygenic adaptation is reflected in molecular phenotypes at different stages of adaptation.