Weak gene-gene interaction facilitates the evolution of gene expression plasticity
Hao-Chih Kuo1, Cheng-Te Yao2, Ben-Yang Liao3
1Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
BMC Biology
|March 21, 2023
Summary
Phenotypic plasticity, particularly gene expression plasticity, can drive adaptation to new environments. This study reveals that genes with weaker interactions evolve stronger plasticity, facilitating species adaptation in nature.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Ecology
Background:
- Phenotypic plasticity allows organisms to acclimate to changing conditions, influencing population adaptation.
- The evolution of phenotypic plasticity, including gene expression plasticity, is crucial for adaptation but poorly understood in natural settings.
- Reversing gene expression plasticity has been observed in lab studies, but natural evidence is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene expression plasticity and its evolution in natural populations of the Rufous-capped Babbler.
- To understand the relationship between plasticity magnitude, its evolutionary change, and gene expression patterns.
- To explore the role of gene expression interdependence in regulating plasticity evolution.
Main Methods:
- Reciprocal transplant experiments were conducted with Rufous-capped Babbler populations.
- Transcriptomic analyses were performed on birds in common gardens at different altitudes.
- Gene expression data were analyzed to assess plasticity and its evolutionary trajectory.
Main Results:
- Reversing gene expression plasticity was confirmed in genes related to altitudinal adaptation.
- A positive correlation was found between the magnitude and evolutionary change of gene expression plasticity.
- Genes with fewer expressional interactions showed greater plasticity and evolutionary change.
Conclusions:
- Species can initiate adaptation to new environments through genes with high expression plasticity.
- Gene expression interdependence plays a key role in the magnitude and evolution of plasticity.
- This research clarifies how gene expression plasticity aids species adaptation to challenging natural environments.
Keywords:
Co-expression connectivityGene expression plasticityHigh-altitude adaptationRNA sequencingReciprocal transplant experimentsMore Related Videos
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