16TH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SCHOOL
Population genetics: the story of an invasion
Genetics
This project is dedicated to studying the genetic diversity of the Yakut crucian carp (Carassius carassius) using modern methods of genetic analysis. The Yakut crucian carp is
a highly valuable commercial fish species in the Republic of Sakha; however, unfortunately, there is a lack of fundamental research on its biology and genetics. A major problem is the
ongoing invasion of the silver crucian carp Carassius auratusgibelio in many parts of its range. Information on genetic diversity is essential in the context of changing ecosystems, especially in the cryolithozone region.
Figure 1. Native Yakut crucian carp (top) and invasive gibel carp (bottom)
In this regard, the objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of the Yakut crucian carp and to detect signs of a possible invasion.
To achieve this objective, the following tasks were set:
1. Extraction of total DNA from biological samples and amplification of selected loci.
2. Determination of the allelic composition of the studied loci.
3. Assessment of the genetic diversity of the Yakut crucian carp.
4. Analysis of the presence of invasive species of the genus
Carassius.
To achieve this objective, the following tasks were set:
1. Extraction of total DNA from biological samples and amplification of selected loci.
2. Determination of the allelic composition of the studied loci.
3. Assessment of the genetic diversity of the Yakut crucian carp.
4. Analysis of the presence of invasive species of the genus
Carassius.
Figure 2. Example of results: DNA gel electrophoresis
Participants will learn the basics of DNA analysis, master the main
technical steps of working with DNA (polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic
analysis, DNA extraction from biological samples), and gain knowledge of
population genetics. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to the fundamentals of statistical analysis; the skills acquired will be applicable in many fields of science. In the course of working on the project, students will go through all the stages of a full-fledged scientific research project, which is highly relevant to the region.
Participant Requirements: We invite students in grades 9-11 who with a good knowledge of population genetics to apply.
technical steps of working with DNA (polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic
analysis, DNA extraction from biological samples), and gain knowledge of
population genetics. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to the fundamentals of statistical analysis; the skills acquired will be applicable in many fields of science. In the course of working on the project, students will go through all the stages of a full-fledged scientific research project, which is highly relevant to the region.
Participant Requirements: We invite students in grades 9-11 who with a good knowledge of population genetics to apply.
Tutors
Pavel Nikolayev
Moscow, Russia
Moscow, Russia
Pavel is a graduate of the Republican Lyceum and he has been studying biology since my school days. I have long worked with students from the Republic of Sakha in the field of biology competitions, but I have always dreamed of working as part of a research school.
He is also a graduate of the Bachelor’s program at the Faculty of Biology at Moscow State University; in his thesis, he studied the genetic and biological diversity of the White Sea flounder. Since childhood, he has always loved our unique Yakut nature; He thinks that many of his compatriots share these feelings. He has always had a particular interest in zoology and genetics, which is why I actively combine both of these fields in my current work.
He hopes that during this IRSchool 2026 he will be able to draw attention to the unique
Yakutian ichthyofauna and that the participants’ exposure to the field of population
genetics will be useful to them in their future.
He is also a graduate of the Bachelor’s program at the Faculty of Biology at Moscow State University; in his thesis, he studied the genetic and biological diversity of the White Sea flounder. Since childhood, he has always loved our unique Yakut nature; He thinks that many of his compatriots share these feelings. He has always had a particular interest in zoology and genetics, which is why I actively combine both of these fields in my current work.
He hopes that during this IRSchool 2026 he will be able to draw attention to the unique
Yakutian ichthyofauna and that the participants’ exposure to the field of population
genetics will be useful to them in their future.
Svetlana Nikolayeva
Yakutsk, Russia
Yakutsk, Russia
