Dataset Information

Genomic and environmental determinants and their interplay underlying phenotypic plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Observed phenotypic variation in living organisms is shaped by genomes, environment, and their interactions. Flowering time under natural conditions can showcase the diverse outcome of the gene-environment interplay. However, identifying hidden patterns and specific factors underlying phenotypic plasticity under natural field conditions remains challenging. With a genetic population showing dynamic changes in flowering time, here we show that the integrated analyses of genomic responses to diverse environments is powerful to reveal the underlying genetic architecture. Specifically, the effect continuum of individual genes (Ma1 , Ma6 , FT, and ELF3) was found to vary in size and in direction along an environmental gradient that was quantified by photothermal time, a combination of two environmental factors (photoperiod and temperature). Gene-gene interaction was also contributing to the observed phenotypic plasticity. With the identified environmental index to quantitatively connect environments, a systematic genome-wide performance prediction framework was established through either genotype-specific reaction-norm parameters or genome-wide marker-effect continua. These parallel genome-wide approaches were demonstrated for in-season and on-target performance prediction by simultaneously exploiting genomics, environment profiling, and performance information. Improved understanding of mechanisms for phenotypic plasticity enables a concerted exploration that turns challenge into opportunity.

SUBMITTER: Li X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6042117 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Genomic and environmental determinants and their interplay underlying phenotypic plasticity.

Li Xin X Guo Tingting T Mu Qi Q Li Xianran X Yu Jianming J

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20180611 26

Observed phenotypic variation in living organisms is shaped by genomes, environment, and their interactions. Flowering time under natural conditions can showcase the diverse outcome of the gene-environment interplay. However, identifying hidden patterns and specific factors underlying phenotypic plasticity under natural field conditions remains challenging. With a genetic population showing dynamic changes in flowering time, here we show that the integrated analyses of genomic responses to diver ...[more]

PMID: 29891664

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Project description:While ecological adaptation in insects can be reflected by plasticity of phenotype, determining the causes and molecular mechanisms for phenotypic plasticity (PP) remains a crucial and still difficult question in ecology, especially where control of insect pests is involved. Oedaleus asiaticus is one of the most dominant pests in the Inner Mongolia steppe and represents an excellent system to study phenotypic plasticity. To better understand ecological factors affecting grasshopper phenotypic plasticity and its molecular control, we conducted a full transcriptional screening of O. asiaticus grasshoppers reared in four different grassland patches in Inner Mongolia. Grasshoppers showed different degrees of PP associated with unique gene expressions and different habitat plant community compositions. Grasshopper performance variables were susceptible to habitat environment conditions and closely associated with plant architectures. Intriguingly, eco-transcriptome analysis revealed five potential candidate genes playing important roles in grasshopper performance, with gene expression closely relating to PP and plant community factors. By linking the grasshopper performances to gene profiles and ecological factors using canonical regression, we first demonstrated the eco-transcriptomic architecture (ETA) of grasshopper phenotypic traits (ETAGPTs). ETAGPTs revealed plant food type, plant density, coverage, and height were the main ecological factors influencing PP, while insect cuticle protein (ICP), negative elongation factor A (NELFA), and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LCT) were the key genes associated with PP. Our study gives a clear picture of gene-environment interaction in the formation and maintenance of PP and enriches our understanding of the transcriptional events underlying molecular control of rapid phenotypic plasticity associated with environmental variability. The findings of this study may also provide new targets for pest control and highlight the significance of ecological management practice on grassland conservation.

Dataset Information

Genomic and environmental determinants and their interplay underlying phenotypic plasticity.

Publications

Genomic and environmental determinants and their interplay underlying phenotypic plasticity.

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