The PANEEC team works on issues related to genome evolution under the influence of biotic and abiotic constraints. This field of research is rapidly evolving due to the development of pangenomics.

By no longer limiting the estimation of diversity to the comparison of individuals to a single reference, pangenomics takes into account the totality of individual diversity. It therefore offers a new way of exploring diversity and understanding the impact of evolutionary forces on it. Despite the enthusiasm for pangenomics, it remains a recent science that requires the development of new approaches.

At PANEEC, we have placed pangenomics at the heart of our work and we approach it in two different and complementary ways:
– On the one hand, we consider pangenomes to be a research subject in their entirety.
We contribute to the development of new methodological approaches that will enable us to work more effectively on pangenomes. In particular, we are developing computer tools that will enable us to enrich, visualise and manipulate pangenome graphs and extract information from them.
– On the other hand, we consider pangenomes as a tool for understanding species evolution.
We are working on two models in particular. In African rice, we are seeking to understand how differences in ecosystems are reflected in pangenomes. In African yams, we are trying to elucidate the domestication process.

Our team is based at IRD Montpellier. Visit our dedicated website for more information.