Project description:To investigate the effect of supergene status and social environment pre- and post-pupation, we used RNA-sequencing of fire ant ant workers to assess gene expression differences.
Project description:Genes not only control traits of their carrier organism (known as Direct Genetic Effects or DGEs) but also shape their carrier's physical environment and the phenotypes of their carrier's social partners (known as Indirect Genetic Effects or IGEs). Theoretical research has shown that the effects that genes exert on social partners can have profound consequences, potentially altering heritability and the direction of trait evolution. Complementary empirical research has shown that in various contexts (particularly in animal agriculture) IGEs can explain a large proportion of variation in specific traits. However, little is known about the general prevalence of IGEs. We conducted a reciprocal cross-fostering experiment with two genetic lineages of the clonal raider ant Ooceraea biroi to quantify the relative contribution of DGEs and IGEs to variation in brain gene expression (which underlies behavioral variation). We find that thousands of genes are differentially expressed by DGEs but not a single gene is differentially expressed by IGEs. This is surprising given the highly social context of ant colonies and given that individual behavior varies according to the genotypic composition of the social environment in O. biroi. Overall, these findings indicate that we have a lot to learn about how the magnitude of IGEs varies across species and contexts.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE33090: Dramatic effects of social behavior on gene regulation in rhesus macaques [Individual_expression] GSE34127: Dramatic effects of social behavior on gene regulation in rhesus macaques [Cell type_expression] GSE34128: Dramatic effects of social behavior on gene regulation in rhesus macaques [Bisulfite_seq] Refer to individual Series
Project description:Using an organ-specific RNA-sequencing approach, we explore the role of supergene genotype and social environment on unmated, reproductive females Solenopsis invicta ants as they depart on their mating flights.
Project description:Chemical activators and inhibitors are useful probes to identify substrates and downstream effects ofenzymes; however, due to the complex signaling environment within cells, it is challenging to distinguishbetween direct and indirect effects. This is particularly the case for phosphorylation, where a single(de)phosphorylation event can trigger rapid changes in many other phosphorylation sites. An additionalcomplication arises when a single catalytic entity, which acts in form of many different holoenzymes withdifferent substrates, is activated or inhibited, as it is unclear which holoenzymes are affected, and in turnwhich of their substrates are (de)phosphorylated. Direct target engaging MS-based technologies to studytargets of drugs do not address these challenges. Here, we tackle this by studying the modulation of proteinphosphatase-1 (PP1) activity by PP1-disrupting peptides (PDPs), as well as their selectivity toward PP1, byusing a combination of mass spectrometry-based experiments. By combining cellular treatment with the PDPwith in vitro dephosphorylation by the enzyme, we identify high confidence substrate candidates and beginto separate direct and indirect effects. Together with experiments analyzing which holoenzymes areparticularly susceptible to this treatment, we obtain insights into the effect of the modulator on the complexnetwork of protein (de)phosphorylation. This strategy holds promise for enhancing our understanding of PP1in particular and, due to the broad applicability of the workflow and the MS-based read-out, of chemicalmodulators with complex mode of action in general.
Project description:Eosinophils exert direct and indirect anti-tumorigenic effects in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [4NQOinDBLgata]
Project description:Social status is one of the strongest predictors of disease risk and mortality in humans, and often influences Darwinian fitness in social mammals more generally. To understand the biological basis of these effects, we combined a functional genomics approach with sequential social status manipulations in rhesus macaques to investigate how social status alters immune function. We demonstrate causal, but largely plastic, effects of social status on immune cell proportions, cell type-specific gene expression levels, and the gene expression and cytokine response to infection. Further, we identify specific transcription factor signaling pathways that explain these differences, particularly status-associated polarization of the TLR4 signaling pathway towards pro-inflammatory versus anti-viral responses. Our findings provide an unprecedented level of insight into the direct biological effects of social inequality on immune function, thus contributing to an improved understanding of social gradients in health and the evolution of social hierarchies. For social status, please refer to table S1 in the manuscript.