Tracking the evolution of devil facial tumour disease

Devil facial tumour disease is a contagious cancer, which is decimating the Tasmanian devil population. Originally, tumours isolated from all individuals were found to be genetically identical but new tumour strains have emerged. Tumour evolution could be disastrous for the devil population, as well as raising concerns that this disease may cross the species barrier. The aim of this project is to track the evolution of the different tumour strains and investigate the potential driving forces behind tumour evolution. This will provide fundamental information necessary for characterization of this devastating disease and impact on other areas of research for its management.