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Evo-Devo@Bangor

My main research interest is in the way that genomic changes have influenced animal evolution and development. Current research projects focus on the GC-biased mutation in desert rodents, snake venom evolution, and the mechanisms by which the uterine environment can change gene expression in the embryo.

Location: Room E1, 4th floor Brambell Building

Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383492

Personal webpage:

Twitter: @

• DPhil: The Evolution of Vertebrate ParaHox Genes
  Oxford University, 2007
• MSc: Biosystematics
  Grand Challenges in Ecosystem and the Environment Initiative, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK alexander.papadopulos@plants.ox.ac.uk., 2003
• BSc: Genetics
  Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, 2002

Comparative genomics

I have a long-standing interest in vertebrate genome evolution, especially as it relates to gene and genome duplication, and/or the evolution of novelty. Whole genome duplications look likely to have played a significant role in the evolution of vertebrates, and particularly the development of vertebrate innovations, and gene duplication has been an important factor in the origin and diversification of snake venom.

Postgraduate opportunities in this area relate to the evolution of vertebrate homeobox genes; GC-biased mutation in desert rodents; and snake venom evolution, taking advantage of recent advances in long-read sequencing and techniques for the assembly of chromosome-scale genome assemblies such as Hi-C.

Evolution and Development (Evo-Devo)

Changes to embryonic development can have major effects on adult morphology, and the evolution of developmental processes has been a major driver of animal evolution.

Postgraduate opportunities in this area relate to my current research into vertebrate axial patterning, and particularly how the uterine environment might influence numbers and types of vertebrae in mouse models. These projects would require management of rodent breeding programs; collection of embryos; antibody-based hormones assays, and gene/protein expression studies. There is scope for expansion of this research into studies of human and non-human primate vertebral variation.  

Snake venom evolution

The availability of whole genome sequences for multiple snake species is providing unprecedented insight into the processes underlying the origin and diversification of snake venom. È«Ãñ²ÊƱ is one of the few Universities in the UK that maintains a collection of venomous snakes, and this invaluable resource facilitates research into the genetic factors responsible for inter- and intra-species variation in snake venom composition.

Postgraduate opportunities in this area relate to the determination of the gene and genome level mechanisms that drive variation in venom composition within and between species.

2025

• Cyhoeddwyd
  Major, T., Jeffrey, L., Limia Russel, G., Bracegirdle, R., Gandini, A., Morgan, R., Marshall, B., Mulley, J. & Wüster, W., 5 Chwef 2025, Yn: PLoS ONE. 20, 2, t. e0310352 22 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• Cyhoeddwyd
  Owens, J. B., Wüster, W., Mulley, J., Graham, S., Morgan, R. & Barlow, A., 14 Ion 2025, Yn: Wellcome Open Research . 10, 11, 13 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl

2024

• Cyhoeddwyd
  Major, T., Jeffrey, L., Limia Russel, G., Bracegirdle, R., Gandini, A., Morgan, R., Marshall, B. M., Mulley, J. & Wüster, W., 3 Medi 2024, BioRxiv, 29 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Papur gweithio › Rhagargraffiad
• Cyhoeddwyd
  Mayeur, H., Leyhr, J., Mulley, J., Leurs, N., Michel, L., Sharma, K., Lagadec, R., Aury, J.-M., Osborne, O. G., Mulhair, P., Poulain, J., Mangenot, S., Mead, D., Smith, M., Corton, C., Olive, K., Skelton, J., Betteridge, E., Dolucan, J. & Dudchenko, O. & 17 eraill, Omer, A. D., Weisz, D., Aiden, E. L., McCarthy, S., Sims, Y., Torrance, J., Tracey, A., Howe, K., Baril, T., Hayward, A., Martinand-Mari, C., Sanchez, S., Haitina, T., Martin, K., Korsching, S. I., Mazan, S. & Debiais-Thibaud, M., 6 Rhag 2024, Yn: Molecular Biology and Evolution. 41, 12
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2023

• Cyhoeddwyd
  Brekke, T. D., Papadopulos, A. S. T., Julia, E., Fornas, O., Fu, B., Yang, F., de la Fuente, R., Page, J., Baril, T., Hayward, A. & Mulley, J., Mai 2023, Yn: Molecular Biology and Evolution. 40, 5, msad115.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• Cyhoeddwyd
  Rogerson, G., Bock, S., Loera, Y., Parrott, B. & Mulley, J., 31 Maw 2023, Yn: Journal of Experimental Biology. 226, 6, jeb245219.
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