Abstract Detail

Comparative Genomics/Transcriptomics

Wiggins, Raegan [1], Devitt, Jessica [1], Schenk, John [2].

Comparative transcriptomics and Selection of Differentially Expressed Genes in Drought-Shocked Mentzelia (Loasaceae).

When exposed to acute drought, a plant’s physiological responses play a substantial role in its ability to survive. Physiological responses are controlled by the expression of genes, and it is likely that natural selection has acted on the responses of drought-associated genes, especially in xerophytes. To understand the role of selection on genetic responses to drought, we tested the hypothesis that individuals from species that evolved in arid environments would have greater drought-associated genes under directional selection compared to temperate species. Experiments were conducted on Mentzelia filifolia, M. speciosa, and M. reverchonii, which occur across an environmental gradient throughout western North America. Four individuals from each species were subjected to a drought-shock treatment, in which cDNA libraries were built from extracted RNA and sequenced, and the gene expression levels were measured from transcriptomic data. We applied the expression-variation-and-evolution model to the data to determine whether selection was acting on genes that respond to the drought treatment. We discuss our results as they pertain to the selection of expression levels in genes associated with drought adaptation and whether selection has been important in the evolution of xerophytes.

Related Links:
Schenk Lab

1 - Georgia Southern University, Department of Biology, 4324 Old Register Road, Statesboro, GA, 30458, USA
2 - Georgia Southern University, Department Of Biology, 4324 Old Register Road, Biological Sciences Building, Statesboro, GA, 30458, United States

Keywords:
Differential Expression Analysis
drought
Adaptive response
Mentzelia
Natural Selection
Transcriptome evolution
Expression variance and evolution model
Xerophytes
Loasaceae.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Comparative Genomics and Transcriptomics
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PGT010
Abstract ID:571
Candidate for Awards:Genetics Section Poster Award