ABSTRACT: Frequent consumption of deep-sea fishes and seasonal difference of diet composition of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters were indicated by DNA metabarcoding analysis
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below. Growth in fishes is a complex trait, controlled by both genetic and environmental factors, that impacts many components of fitness. Gene expression studies may lead to the identification of candidate genes for growth and microarrays offer the opportunity to examine the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. Gene expression differences in the liver and white muscle were examined in normally growing, 15 month-old, large and small size-selected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) derived from two different seasonal spawning groups (Sept. and Dec.). Examination of the gene expression differences in both liver and white muscle tissue allowed us to assess the seasonal influences upon gene expression patterns that occur in this species, and facilitated the identification of genes that may possess similar expression patterns regardless of seasonal effects. The analysis of global gene expression in large and small fish reared under standard conditions provides an understanding of typical growth patterns that may be observed in this species. The identification of candidate genes by this study may provide insight into the mechanisms of growth in fishes and may help to identify candidate genes for growth.
Project description:Sensory systems of many organisms display periodic adjustments to accommodate cyclical changes in the local environmental conditions. Seasonal fluctuations in visual perception are documented in many species, including humans, but the mechanisms and ecological significance of these adaptations often remain obscure. Depsite limited knowledge of bat visual ecology relative to hearing, the diversity of bat species makes them useful models for studying sensory adaptation mechanisms. Here we analyze daily and seasonal changes in gene expression in the eyes of a temperate echolocating bat, the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis). A total of 44 wild-caught bats were sampled from the same location across all four seasons, with whole eyes sequenced for total mRNA expression. Expression patterns were analyzed using differential expression analysis and clustering techniques for identifying correlation networks and evidence of cyclical enrichment. Additionally, a target gene list representing key physiological processes was applies to assess which biological pathways displayed the most robust seasonal or daily changes. 17.8% of genes showed significant differential expression based on season, compared to 11.5% of genes for daily expression. Several gene networks related to the circadian clock, phototransduction, and metabolic function displayed significant rhythmic seasonal effects. Quantum catch modeling indicates higher photon capture potential in summer based on weighted opsin expression, consistent with an adaptive response to lower twilight irradiance. Seasonal remodeling of the ocular transcriptome is consistent with enhanced phototransduction in summer, suggesting vision may play a greater role during this period.
Project description:Investigation of transcriptome dynamics of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) in winter (Dec. 22-23, 2011) and summer (July 30-31, 2012). We investigated seasonal and diurnal transcriptome dynamics of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) by analyzing shoot samples collected at four-hour interval for two days in winter and summer, respectively. We first collected sequence data of expressed genes from shoots to designed microarray probes. Microarray analysis revealed the significant difference of transcripts between summer and winter, and the diurnal transcriptome dynamic in summer.Statistical analysis indicated that about 7.7 % of unique genes showed diurnal rhythms with more than two-fold of peak-to-trough amplitude in summer.