Abstract
In an era of unprecedented global change, exploring patterns of gene expression among wild populations across their geographic range is crucial for characterizing adaptive potential. RNA-sequencing studies have successfully characterized gene expression differences among populations experiencing divergent environmental conditions in a wide variety of taxa. However, few of these studies have identified transcriptomic signatures to multivariate, environmental stimuli among populations in their natural environments. Herein, we aim to identify environmental and sex-driven patterns of gene expression in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), a critically endangered species that occupies a heterogeneous environment. We performed RNA-sequencing on ear tissue biopsies from adult male and female devils from three populations at the extremes of their geographic range. There were no transcriptome-wide patterns of differential gene expression that would be suggestive of significant, environmentally-driven transcriptomic responses. The general lack of transcriptome-wide variation in gene expression levels across the devil’s geographic range is consistent with previous studies that documented low levels of genetic variation in the species. However, genes previously implicated in local adaptation to abiotic environment in devils were enriched for differentially expressed genes. Additionally, three modules of co-expressed genes were significantly associated with either population of origin or sex.
Highlights
To understand the genetic basis of the diversity of phenotypes in wild populations inhabiting complex environments, more studies are needed to examine baseline gene expression variation acrossGenes 2019, 10, 801; doi:10.3390/genes10100801 www.mdpi.com/journal/genesGenes 2019, 10, 801 species’ geographic ranges [1]
Using genetic-environmental associations (GEA), we identified 64 genes putatively involved in adaptation to local abiotic environment among seven Tasmanian devil populations [21]
An average of 85% of reads mapped to the Tasmanian devil genome [11]
Summary
To understand the genetic basis of the diversity of phenotypes in wild populations inhabiting complex environments, more studies are needed to examine baseline gene expression variation acrossGenes 2019, 10, 801; doi:10.3390/genes10100801 www.mdpi.com/journal/genesGenes 2019, 10, 801 species’ geographic ranges [1]. To understand the genetic basis of the diversity of phenotypes in wild populations inhabiting complex environments, more studies are needed to examine baseline gene expression variation across. Studies of the impact of environmental features on gene expression are conducted in controlled laboratory settings (reviewed in [2,3]). While lab-controlled experiments identify responses to particular stimuli, observed changes in expression may not reflect natural environmental responses [4]. Understanding the baseline geographic variation in gene expression differences may help predict species’ adaptive potential in a time of ubiquitous global change. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) studies are often limited by a lack of available data regarding the abiotic and biotic environmental variation that might be driving putative changes in gene expression. A combination of long-term mark-recapture studies of the Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, across its heterogeneous geographic range [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
