Effects of larval crowding on the transcriptome of Drosophila simulans.

ABSTRACT: Larval crowding is one common ecological stressor for many insect species. In Drosophila, high larval density alters multiple widely-studied phenotypes including life-history traits, morphology and behavior. Nevertheless, we still miss a holistic view of the full range of phenotypic changes and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we analyzed the adult transcriptomes of high and low larval density fly cohorts, and highlighted the molecular basis of the plastic traits. Increased cellular energy metabolism and locomotion, along with reduced reproductive investment, are key responses to high larval density. Moreover, we compared the expression changes among cohorts with different developmental delays caused by larval crowding. The majority of genes induced by larval crow

SUBMITTER: Buchner S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10660784 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature