A framework for understanding gene expression plasticity and its influence on stress tolerance.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Phenotypic plasticity is crucial for adaptation to environmental changes.
• Gene expression differences are linked to stress responses, like thermal tolerance, in different populations.
• Interpreting dynamic gene expression data to understand its functional role in stress response is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a conceptual framework for interpreting gene expression reaction norms in the context of stress tolerance.
• To explore the evolutionary and adaptive potential of gene expression reaction norms.
• To guide the interpretation of gene expression dynamics in relation to host tolerance, considering factors like sampling timing and life history.

Main Methods:

• Development of a conceptual framework for analyzing gene expression reaction norms.
• Consideration of transcriptomic resilience and life history complexities.
• Application of the framework using corals as a case study.

Main Results:

• Gene expression plasticity can be a mechanistic link between cellular processes and physiological responses to environmental stress.
• Distinct transcriptional profiles are observed between tolerant and susceptible populations.
• The framework aids in understanding how gene expression contributes to survival under novel conditions.

Conclusions:

• Interpreting gene expression plasticity is vital for predicting species' responses to climate change.
• This framework is valuable for non-model organisms like corals.
• Understanding gene expression dynamics is key to assessing adaptive potential in the face of global environmental change.