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Leveraging CyVerse Resources for De Novo Comparative Transcriptomics of Underserved Non-model Organisms
Published on: May 9, 2017
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Comparative transcriptomics suggest unique molecular adaptations within tardigrade lineages.
Maria Kamilari1, Aslak Jørgensen1, Morten Schiøtt2
1Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, Copenhagen, Denmark.
BMC Genomics
|July 26, 2019
Summary
Tardigrades exhibit unique stress tolerance mechanisms, with some lineages lacking key DNA repair genes but possessing robust antioxidant defenses. Cryptobiosis involves diverse adaptations beyond specific tardigrade proteins.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Tardigrades are known for cryptobiosis (dormant life) and extreme stress tolerance.
- Understanding the molecular basis of tardigrade stress resilience is a growing research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the gene content of tardigrade species, focusing on stress tolerance mechanisms.
- To compare transcriptomic data from tardigrades with other eukaryotes.
Main Methods:
- Generated transcriptomes for Echiniscoides cf. sigismundi and Richtersius cf. coronifer.
- Analyzed 107 genes/gene families across tardigrade and model eukaryote data.
- Investigated gene expression related to stress tolerance pathways.
Main Results:
- The heterotardigrade E. cf. sigismundi lacks Non-Homologous End Joining genes, suggesting reliance on transcription-coupled DNA repair.
- Tardigrades possess extensive antioxidant defense genes but may lack certain peroxins.
- Tardigrade-unique proteins (CAHS, SAHS, MAHS, RvLEAM) are absent in heterotardigrades, indicating diverse cryptobiosis mechanisms.
- A unique cold shock protein potentially regulates translation after freezing.
Conclusions:
- Tardigrade stress tolerance involves lineage-specific gene family expansions and contractions.
- Evolutionary divergence leads to varied physiological adaptations and potentially novel mechanisms for stress survival.
- Further genomic and experimental studies across diverse tardigrade lineages are necessary.
Keywords:
Cold shock domainFunctional gene categoriesModel organismsStress genesTardigradaTranscriptomicsMore Related Videos
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