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Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
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Recombination plasticity in response to temperature variation in reptiles
Laura González-Rodelas1,2, Cristina Marín-García1,2, Clara Romero1,2
1Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
Plos Genetics
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Environmental temperature significantly impacts genetic recombination in geckos. Both high and low temperatures increase crossover rates, affecting genetic variability in ectotherms.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Species survival relies on adaptation to environmental changes.
- Temperature affects transcriptional pathways, but its impact on genetic recombination is understudied.
- Previous research indicates temperature influences recombination in model organisms, but conservation in vertebrates is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of temperature on meiotic recombination in the Guibé's ground gecko (Paroedura guibeae).
- To analyze double-strand breaks (DSBs) and crossovers (COs) formation and frequency in response to temperature variations.
- To assess CO interference (COI) and its relationship with chromosomal changes.
Main Methods:
- Immunolocalization of meiotic proteins to analyze DSB and CO formation.
- Quantification of CO frequency and chromosomal distribution.
- Measurement of CO interference (COI) and chromosome axis lengths.
Main Results:
- Exposure to both high and low temperatures resulted in hyper-crossover (hyper-COs) spermatocytes.
- Increased COs correlated with decreased chromosome axis lengths.
- Elevated meiotic DSBs were observed in later stages of prophase I under temperature stress.
Conclusions:
- Environmental temperatures influence meiotic recombination in ectothermic species like geckos.
- Temperature-induced changes in recombination may affect genetic variability.
- This study highlights the interaction between environmental factors and genetic processes in vertebrates.
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