Project description:MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small, endogenous RNAs that regulate the expression of mRNAs posttranscriptionally. Evolutionarily new miRNAs, like new protein-coding genes, are dominantly expressed in reproductive organs. To dissect the evolutionary dynamics of new miRNAs in Drosophila spp, we sequenced small RNAs from two species of Drosophila, including four samples from reproductive organs and one sample from imaginal discs / CNS. miRNA expression profile shows vast majority of new miRNAs are specifically expressed in testes and/or ovaries, suggesting a role of sexual selection for new miRNA evolution. Five small RNA samples, mainly from reproductive organs of D. simulans and D. pseudoobscura were analyzed. The small RNAs were sequenced by Illumina HiSeq 2000. After triming the adapters, the 18-30 nt sequences were extracted for further study.
Project description:MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small, endogenous RNAs that regulate the expression of mRNAs posttranscriptionally. Evolutionarily new miRNAs, like new protein-coding genes, are dominantly expressed in reproductive organs. To dissect the evolutionary dynamics of new miRNAs in Drosophila spp, we sequenced small RNAs from two species of Drosophila, including four samples from reproductive organs and one sample from imaginal discs / CNS. miRNA expression profile shows vast majority of new miRNAs are specifically expressed in testes and/or ovaries, suggesting a role of sexual selection for new miRNA evolution.
Project description:Some insects can redirect plant development to form unique organs called galls, which provide these insects with unique, enhanced food and protection from enemies and the elements. Many galls resemble flowers or fruits, suggesting that elements of reproductive development may be involved. We addressed this possibility using RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to quantify the transcriptional responses of wild grapevine (Vitis riparia Michx.) leaves to a galling parasite, phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch 1855)). If development of reproductive structures is part of gall formation, we expected to find significantly elevated expression of genes involved in flower and/or fruit development in developing galls as opposed to ungalled leaves. We found that reproductive gene ontology classes were significantly enriched in developing galls, and that expression of many putative genes involved in flower formation was significantly increased, particularly in later gall stages. The patterns of gene expression found in galls suggest that phylloxera exploits vascular cambium to provide meristematic tissue and redirects leaf development towards formation of carpels. The phylloxera leaf gall, and perhaps other similar galls, appears to be phenotypically and transcriptionally convergent on the plant carpel.