Small noncoding RNA profiles along alternative developmental trajectories in an annual killifish
Amie L T Romney1,2, Jason E Podrabsky3
1Department of Biology, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR, 97207, USA. arom2@pdx.edu.
Scientific Reports
|September 8, 2018
Summary
Embryonic development in Austrofundulus limnaeus shows two distinct paths, influenced by maternal factors and temperature. MicroRNAs, specifically miR-430, may regulate these developmental trajectories, allowing embryos to adapt to environmental changes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Austrofundulus limnaeus exhibits two distinct embryonic developmental trajectories.
- Maternal provisioning and embryonic incubation temperature influence these trajectories.
- The role of noncoding RNAs in regulating temperature-induced phenotypic plasticity is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of small noncoding RNAs in regulating distinct embryonic developmental trajectories in Austrofundulus limnaeus.
- To identify specific microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with different developmental pathways.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs in mediating maternal-embryonic conflict.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to profile small noncoding RNAs in embryos.
- Transcriptomic profiles were generated for embryos developing along two alternative trajectories.
- Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Distinct expression profiles of miR-10 and miR-430 families were observed during development.
- miR-430 sequences were found to be enriched in 'escape trajectory' embryos.
- miR-430 may target maternally provisioned and trajectory-specific mRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Temperature-induced phenotypic plasticity in embryonic development may be regulated by post-transcriptional modifications via noncoding RNAs.
- miR-430 plays a significant role in regulating developmental trajectories in Austrofundulus limnaeus.
- This suggests a novel model for maternal-embryonic conflict in gene regulation, enabling embryonic adaptation to environmental changes.
Related Concept Videos
02:18Alternative RNA Splicing
25.2K
Alternative RNA splicing is the regulated splicing of exons and introns to produce different mature mRNAs from a single pre-mRNA. Unlike in constitutive splicing where a single gene produces a single type of mRNA, alternative splicing allows an organism to produce multiple proteins from a single gene and plays an important role in protein diversity.
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
25.2K
02:18Alternative RNA Splicing
5.2K
5.2K
01:26Orthogonal Trajectories
67
Orthogonal trajectories describe the geometric relationship between two families of curves that intersect each other at right angles. One illustrative case involves a family of parabolas that open sideways along the x-axis. These curves share a common shape but differ by a scaling parameter, resulting in a set of curves that all pass through the origin and widen at different rates.Determining Orthogonal TrajectoriesTo identify the orthogonal trajectories for these parabolas, the first step...
67
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
1.6K
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
1.6K
01:29Three Developmental Domains
1.1K
Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
1.1K
01:16Null and Alternative Hypotheses
12.8K
The actual hypothesis testing begins by considering two hypotheses. They are termed the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis. These hypotheses contain opposing viewpoints.
The null hypothesis, denoted by H0 is a statement of no difference between the variables—they are not related. This can often be considered the status quo. As a result if you cannot accept the null, it requires some action.
The alternative hypothesis, denoted by H1 or Ha, is a claim about the...
The null hypothesis, denoted by H0 is a statement of no difference between the variables—they are not related. This can often be considered the status quo. As a result if you cannot accept the null, it requires some action.
The alternative hypothesis, denoted by H1 or Ha, is a claim about the...
12.8K