Segregating variation in the polycomb group gene cramped alters the effect of temperature on multiple traits.

ABSTRACT: The phenotype produced by a given genotype can be strongly modulated by environmental conditions. Therefore, natural populations continuously adapt to environment heterogeneity to maintain optimal phenotypes. It generates a high genetic variation in environment-sensitive gene networks, which is thought to facilitate evolution. Here we analyze the chromatin regulator crm, identified as a candidate for adaptation of Drosophila melanogaster to northern latitudes. We show that crm contributes to environmental canalization. In particular, crm modulates the effect of temperature on a genomic region encoding Hedgehog and Wingless signaling effectors. crm affects this region through both constitutive heterochromatin and Polycomb silencing. Furthermore, we show that crm European and African natural

SUBMITTER: Gibert JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3024266 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature