@article {1228, title = {Transcriptome analysis reveals plasticity in gene regulation due to environmental cues in Primula sikkimensis, a high altitude plant species [Next Gen Genomics Facility (INT)].}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, volume = {20}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Dec 17}, pages = {989}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Studying plasticity in gene expression in natural systems is crucial, for predicting and managing the effects of climate change on plant species. To understand the contribution of gene expression level variations to abiotic stress compensation in a Himalaya plant (Primula sikkimensis), we carried out a transplant experiment within (Ambient), and beyond (Below Ambient and Above Ambient) the altitudinal range limit of species. We sequenced nine transcriptomes (three each from each altitudinal range condition) using Illumina sequencing technology. We compared the fitness variation of transplants among three transplant conditions.

RESULTS: A large number of significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between below ambient versus ambient (109) and above ambient versus ambient (85) were identified. Transcripts involved in plant growth and development were mostly up-regulated in below ambient conditions. Transcripts involved in signalling, defence, and membrane transport were mostly up-regulated in above ambient condition. Pathway analysis revealed that most of the genes involved in metabolic processes, secondary metabolism, and flavonoid biosynthesis were differentially expressed in below ambient conditions, whereas most of the genes involved in photosynthesis and plant hormone signalling were differentially expressed in above ambient conditions. In addition, we observed higher reproductive fitness in transplant individuals at below ambient condition compared to above ambient conditions; contrary to what we expect from the cold adaptive P. sikkimensis plants.

CONCLUSIONS: We reveal P. sikkimensis{\textquoteright}s capacity for rapid adaptation to climate change through transcriptome variation, which may facilitate the phenotypic plasticity observed in morphological and life history traits. The genes and pathways identified provide a genetic resource for understanding the temperature stress (both the hot and cold stress) tolerance mechanism of P. sikkimensis in their natural environment.

}, issn = {1471-2164}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-019-6354-1}, author = {Gurung, Priya Darshini and Upadhyay, Atul Kumar and Bhardwaj, Pardeep Kumar and Sowdhamini, Ramanathan and Ramakrishnan, Uma} } @article {888, title = {Gene expression is implicated in the ability of pikas to occupy Himalayan elevational gradient. [Next Gen Genomics Facility (INT)]}, journal = {PLoS One}, volume = {13}, year = {2018}, month = {2018}, pages = {e0207936}, abstract = {

Species are shifting their ranges due to climate change, many moving to cooler and higher locations. However, with elevation increase comes oxygen decline, potentially limiting a species{\textquoteright} ability to track its environment depending on what mechanisms it has available to compensate for hypoxic stress. Pikas (Family Ochotonidae), cold-specialist small mammal species, are already undergoing elevational range shifts. We collected RNA samples from one population of Ochotona roylei in the western Himalaya at three sites- 3,600, 4,000, and 5,000 meters-and found no evidence of significant population genetic structure nor positive selection among sites. However, out of over 10,000 expressed transcripts, 26 were significantly upregulated at the 5,000 m site and were significantly enriched for pathways consistent with physiological compensation for limited oxygen. These results suggest that differences in gene expression may play a key role in enabling hypoxia tolerance on this local scale, indicating elevational flexibility that may facilitate successful range shifts in response to climate change.

}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0207936}, author = {Solari, Katherine A and Ramakrishnan, Uma and Hadly, Elizabeth A} }