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Background: Fibroblast Growth Factor 20 (FGF20)‐FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling is essential for cochlear hair cell (HC) and supporting cell (SC) differentiation. In other organ systems, FGFR1 signals through several intracellular pathways including MAPK (ERK), PI3K, phospholipase C ɣ (PLCɣ), and p38. Previous studies implicated MAPK and PI3K pathways in HC and SC development. We hypothesized that one or both would be important downstream mediators of FGF20‐FGFR1 signaling for HC differentiation. Results: By inhibiting pathways downstream of FGFR1 in cochlea explant cultures, we established that both MAPK and PI3K pathways are required for HC differentiation while PLCɣ and p38 pathways are not. Examining the canonical PI3K pathway, we found that while AKT is necessary for HC differentiation, it is not sufficient to rescue the Fgf20−/− phenotype. To determine whether PI3K functions downstream of FGF20, we inhibited Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) in Fgf20−/− explants. Overactivation of PI3K resulted in a partial rescue of the Fgf20−/− phenotype, demonstrating a requirement for PI3K downstream of FGF20. Consistent with a requirement for the MAPK pathway for FGF20‐regulated HC differentiation, we show that treating Fgf20−/− explants with FGF9 increased levels of dpERK. Conclusions: Together, these data provide evidence that both MAPK and PI3K are important downstream mediators of FGF20‐FGFR1 signaling during HC and SC differentiation. Key Findings: PI3K and MEK1/2 are necessary for hair cell differentiation while p38 and PLCγ are not.pAKT is necessary but not sufficient for hair cell differentiation.PTEN inhibition partially rescues Fgf20 knockout phenotype.dpERK is downstream of FGF20‐FGFR1 signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Species are becoming extinct at unprecedented rates as a consequence of human activity. Hence it is important to understand the evolutionary dynamics of species with already small population sizes. Populus ilicifolia is a vulnerable poplar species that is isolated from other poplar species and is uniquely adapted to the Tropics. It has a very limited size, reproduces partly clonally and is therefore an excellent case study for conservation genomics. We present here the first annotated draft genome of P. ilicifolia, characterize genome‐wide patterns of polymorphisms and compare those to other poplar species with larger natural ranges. P. ilicifolia experienced a more prolonged and severe decline of effective population size (Ne) and signs of genetic erosion than any other poplar species with which it was compared. At present, the species has the lowest genome‐wide genetic diversity, the highest abundance of long runs of homozygosity, high inbreeding levels as well as a high overall accumulation of deleterious variants. However, more effective purging of severely deleterious variants and adaptation to the Tropics may have contributed to its survival. Hence, in spite of its limited genetic variation, it is certainly worth pursuing the conservation efforts of this unique species. Significance Statement: Whole‐genome sequencing of Populus ilicifolia, a vulnerable and isolated poplar tree from the Tropics that can reproduce both sexually and asexually, was used to explore how population history and reproduction affected its genetic characteristics, genetic load, and its potential for tropical adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]