Functional genomic tools for emerging model species DOI Creative Commons
Erik Gudmunds, Christopher W. Wheat, Abderrahman Khila

et al.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(12), P. 1104 - 1115

Published: July 30, 2022

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic evolution is a central goal in evolutionary biology.Unfortunately, causal associations between candidate loci and phenotype are rarely established because majority of never validated with functional tools.We describe latest developments use tools, particularly RNAi clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas, to establish links genotype phenotype, discuss some methodological challenges when applying these tools that unique emerging model organisms.Specifically, we highlight significant issue current studies ecology biology date recapitulate ecologically relevant variation, suggest gene editing species should make more HDR pathway obtain insights thereby deeper understanding genetic basis traits. Most field aiming connect validate identified using tools. Recent RNA interference (RNAi) (CRISPR)-Cas genome have dramatically increased feasibility validation. However, methods come specific applied organisms, including limited spatial control silencing, low knock-in efficiencies, throughput Moreover, many do not this limits their scope for into processes. We therefore argue by allelic replacement through homology-directed repair (HDR) would greatly benefit evolution. A fundamental aim identify genomic variation underlies micro- macroevolutionary dynamics [1.Vitti J.J. et al.Detecting natural selection data.Annu. Rev. Genet. 2013; 47: 97-120Crossref PubMed Scopus (397) Google Scholar]. In present post-genomic era, diverse datasets routinely used purpose organisms (see Glossary), ranging from genome-wide population data various association approaches differential expression analysis chromatin accessibility assays [2.Jamann T.M. al.QTL mapping high-throughput sequencing.in: Alonso J.M. Stepanova A.N. Plant Functional Genomics: Methods Protocols. Springer, 2015: 257-285Crossref (20) Scholar,3.van der Burg K.R.L. al.Genomic architecture genetically assimilated seasonal color pattern.Science. 2020; 370: 721-725Crossref (24) Although such advancing our genotype–phenotype relationships traits involved adaptation speciation [3.van Scholar,4.Pardo-Diaz C. al.Towards identification adaptive evolution.Methods Ecol. Evol. 2015; 6: 445-464Crossref (93) Scholar], they also clear limitations, most obvious being lack ability rigorous inferences phenotypes genes or loci. manipulating function, as (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein (Cas), recent years made it possible link organisms. review address growing need inferences, practical aspects validation future role CRISPR-Cas technologies evolution, strong emphasis on challenge importance establishing ecological relevance Rather than investing validation, genomics hasinstead predominantly resulted an increase sample sizes individuals, populations, quest speciation. The result ever-increasing number that, after identifying (e.g., tests selection, allele-frequency patterns, mapping, linkage analysis, transcriptomic studies), at length potential implications. These all inherent (reviewed [5.Schielzeth H. al.Success failure replication associations: How does help outbred populations?.Mol. Resour. 2018; 18: 739-754Crossref (19) Scholar, 6.Liu Y. al.On dependency cellular levels mRNA abundance.Cell. 2016; 165: 535-550Abstract Full Text PDF (1576) 7.Schielzeth Husby A. Challenges prospects quantitative trait standing populations.Ann. N. Acad. Sci. 2014; 1320: 35-57Crossref (41) 8.Wellenreuther M. Hansson B. Detecting polygenic evolution: problems, pitfalls, promises.Trends TIG. 32: 155-164Abstract (84) Scholar]), but common them limitation phenotype. Drawing conclusions body evidence challenging, interpretations be considered carefully attempting understand relationship. Given circumstances, raise two worth considering investigating First, although acknowledge implementation even desirable instances, wish stress absence proper allowing avoiding language. Imprecise language degrades insights, impedes how world works, bloats false positive results [9.Siddiq M.A. al.Experimental test refutation classic case Drosophila melanogaster.Nat. 2017; 1: 25Crossref (21) Second, relying upon existing annotations without perpetuates bias. Consider hypothetical scenario, wherein intersection SNP trait, where variants associated near coding sequences several differentially expressed genes. resulting list assessed, hypotheses formed based sequence element annotations, which turn overwhelmingly closest organism melanogaster insects, mouse Mus musculus mammals, zebrafish Danio rerio fish, Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana plants, so on). note duality approach: seems sound way forward homologous share functions over deep time, approach necessary no other possible, comes risk erroneous inferences. Model only important unknown function [10.Wu al.CRISPR/Cas9 mediated resource kinase phosphatase Drosophila.Sci. Rep. 10: 7383Crossref (3) Scholar] certainly change time orthologous [11.Verster A.J. al.Comparative screens elegans briggsae reveal impact developmental system drift function.PLoS 10e1004077Crossref Thus, solely annotation can restrict detect lineage-specific genes, moonlighting proteins, cases co-option evolved shape interest, especially subsequent changes alter biological [12.Tomczak al.Interpretation experiments Gene Ontology its annotations.Sci. 8: 5115Crossref (66) Equally problematic, selecting generates ascertainment bias assigned almost always avoided, though species-specific clearly magnitude problem huge ramifications vast – Homo sapiens <10% been focus >90% published papers [13.Stoeger T. al.Large-scale investigation reasons why potentially ignored.PLoS Biol. 16e2006643Crossref (125) bias, well aforementioned issues, demonstrate empowerment able functionally irrespective whether annotations. study van al. exemplifies issues elegance, authors investigated assimilation plasticity butterfly wing coloration, arriving 13 intersecting (GWAS) RNA-seq time-series results. They then manipulate four Knockout (KO) first choice, locus annotated wing-pattern (cortex), predictably affected color. Of one had effect (Dscam3) whereas did (trehalase). Finally, KO uncharacterized unannotated demonstrated causally coloration plasticity, was named herfst. Had chosen cortex, novel missed, (the metabolic trehalase) has unpredicted patterning. conducted neuronal Dscam3 patterning might generated line inquiry fact lacks support, trehalase possibly discounted. discovery herfst provides knowledge allows reanalysis previous work. With components types will synergistically improve across broader taxonomical range interest field. Establishing necessity stepwise process requires determination effort. amenable manipulation, others accomplished scale months, led impressive proliferation insightful knockdown techniques explore candidates were previously association-based [14.Klaassen al.CRISPR mutagenesis confirms oca2 melanin pigmentation Astyanax mexicanus.Dev. 441: 313-318Crossref (59) 15.Li X. al.Outbred sequencing CRISPR/Cas9 butterflies.Nat. Commun. 8212Crossref (133) 16.Mazo-Vargas al.Macroevolutionary shifts WntA potentiate diversity.Proc. Natl. U. S. 114: 10701-10706Crossref (99) 17.Santos M.E. al.Taxon-restricted origin access new environment.Science. 358: 386-390Crossref (56) 18.Woronik al.A transposable insertion alternative life history strategy.Nat. 2019; 5757Crossref (28) 19.Wucherpfennig J.I. al.Efficient CRISPR-Cas9 major sticklebacks.Evol. Res. 20: 107-132PubMed 20.Zhang L. al.Single master regulatory coordinates development iridescence.Proc. 10707-10712Crossref (97) taxonomically diverse, confirming butterflies [15.Li Scholar,16.Mazo-Vargas Scholar,20.Zhang albinism cave fish describing habitats water striders [17.Santos findings benefits bringing realm possibility behind processes documented populations difficult include phenomena migration [21.Zhan al.The genetics monarch warning colouration.Nature. 514: 317-321Crossref (186) exaggeration [22.Toubiana W. Khila Fluctuating strength intense male competition underlie strider's weapon.Proc. 28620182400PubMed innovations [23.Wagner G.P. Lynch V.J. Evolutionary novelties.Curr. 2010; R48-R52Abstract (184) polyphenisms [24.Casasa al.Nutrition-responsive insect polyphenism.Nat. 4: 970-978Crossref (17) name few. technique artificially downregulate assess level. downregulation occurs temporarily usually referred reduces rather eliminates production, opposed KO. largely relies proteins endogenous small pathways microRNA, interfering RNA, Piwi-interacting RNA) eukaryotic lineages [25.Shabalina S.A. Koonin E.V. Origins interference.Trends 2008; 23: 578-587Abstract (364) taxa highly divergent complex [26.Chapman E.J. Carrington J.C. Specialization pathways.Nat. 2007; 884-896Crossref (557) exogenously induced follow simplified conserved mechanism (Box 1) makes (although there notable exceptions; e.g., Lepidoptera [27.Terenius O. al.RNA Lepidoptera: overview successful unsuccessful implications experimental design.J. Insect Physiol. 2012; 57: 231-245Crossref (639) Scholar]).Box 1The nature enables sequence-specific knockdownsThe discovered plants Caenorhabditis [78.Fire al.Potent double-stranded elegans.Nature. 1998; 391: 806-811Crossref (12060) Scholar,79.Hamilton Baulcombe D.C. antisense posttranscriptional silencing plants.Science. 1999; 286: 950-952Crossref (2373) researchers observed reduction introduced (dsRNA) (asRNA) cells whole Research different systems since elucidated [80.Wilson R.C. Doudna J.A. Molecular interference.Annu. Biophys. 42: 217-239Crossref (732) core initiated cleavage dsRNA endonuclease Dicer smaller 20–25 nt fragments [81.Bernstein E. al.Role bidentate ribonuclease initiation step interference.Nature. 2001; 409: 363-366Crossref (3854) From fragments, strands associate Argonaut family and, together additional factors, form RNA-induced (RISC) [82.Hammond S.M. al.An RNA-directed nuclease mediates post-transcriptional cells.Nature. 2000; 404: 293-296Crossref (2443) Based RISC recognizes binds molecules interferes direct endonucleolytic cleavage, translational repression, directing formation heterochromatin corresponding [45.Podolska K. Svoboda P. Targeting living mammals interference.Brief. Funct. Genomics. 2011; 238-247Crossref (12) Scholar].The dependent transport cytosol described above initiated. groups efficient, vertebrates, cell membranes occur easily. cases, introduction aided exogenous agents viral vectors electroporation, delivering vehicle cationic lipids microinjection, solution injected directly tissue. This method efficient transport, systemic RNAi. strategy can, large extent, guided nearest organism. Apart generally broad applicability taxa, advantages stages tissue localization, both minimize negative pleiotropic effects. Further, tuned controlling dose completely ablated [28.Killiny al.Double-stranded uptake topical application, five CYP4 suppresses insecticide resistance Diaphorina citri.PLoS One. 9e110536Crossref (116) Scholar,29.Refki P.N. al.Emergence sensitivity Hox morphological trait.Dev. 392: 441-453Crossref (27) thus enabling survival phenotyping infer function. For example, insulin receptor polyphenism revealed [30.Xu H.J. al.Two receptors determine morphs planthoppers.Nature. 519: 464-467Crossref (308) alleles cause embryonic lethality homozygous state [31.Zhao al.Mutations NlInR1 affect normal growth lifespan brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens.Insect Biochem. Mol. 115103246Crossref [32.Zhang C.-X. al.Molecular polymorphism insects.Annu. Entomol. 64: 297-314Crossref (64) studied classical large-scale normally [33.Liu al.Whole-animal screen identifies networks regulating germline stem Drosophila.Nat. 7: 12149Crossref Scholar,34.Wang G. al.RNAi tuning, microfluidic screening, recombineering improved production cerevisiae.Proc. 116: 9324-9332Crossref (37) tens [35.Toubiana factor BMP11 required exaggerated weapon fighting behavior strider.PLoS 2021; 19e3001157Crossref (6) Efficient rely overcoming hurdle organism, done time-consuming microinjections, targeting modest set (less ~50) achievable microinjection Scholar,35.Toubiana Some feeding [36.Feng D. Interference ingested dsRNA-expressing bacteria shell biosynthesis Crassostrea gigas.Mar. Biotechnol. 21: 526-536Crossref (23) Scholar,37.Whyard al.Ingested RNAs act insecticides.Insect 2009; 39: 824-832Crossref (456) time-efficient knockdowns [38.Forsthoefel D.J. reveals intestinal regulators branching morphogenesis, differentiation, planarians.Dev. Cell. 691-704Abstract (94) addition RNAi, application insects [39.Wang al.Second-generation supply effective targets pest control.PLoS 6e18644Google underutilized screens. One obstacle efficiency delivery within treated individual varies [40.Vogel insects: protecting beneficials pests.Front. 9: 1912Crossref (107) generating necessitates larger sizes. Another drawback lacking administration difficult. vertebrates resort via [41.Schepers Practice: Principles, Basics, Silencing elegans, Drosophila, Mammals. John Wiley & Sons,

Language: Английский

Genetic basis of an adaptive polymorphism controlling butterfly silver iridescence DOI Creative Commons
Luca Livraghi, Joseph J. Hanly, Ling S. Loh

et al.

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 1, 2025

Identifying the genes and mutations that drive phenotypic variation which are subject to selection is crucial for understanding evolutionary processes. Mormon Fritillary butterflies (Speyeria mormonia) exhibit a striking wing color polymorphism throughout their range: typical morphs bear silver spots on ventral surfaces can co-occur with unsilvered displaying dull coloration.1 Through genome-wide association studies in two polymorphic populations, we fine-map this difference silvering 3' region of transcription factor gene optix. The expression optix confined regions surround spots, these patterns transformed identity upon RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown, implicating as repressor scales butterfly. We show haplotype shows signatures recent selective sweeps allele shared an population Speyeria hydaspe, suggesting introgressions may facilitate exchange variants adaptive potential across species. Remarkably, findings parallel role allelic sharing cis-regulatory modulation shaping aposematic red Heliconius butterflies,2,3,4,5,6,7 lineage separated from 45 million years ago.8 genetic basis thus be more predictable than often presumed, even traits appear divergent large distances.

Language: Английский

Citations

1

Self-assembling structural colour in nature DOI Creative Commons
Stephanie L. Burg, Andrew J. Parnell

Journal of Physics Condensed Matter, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 30(41), P. 413001 - 413001

Published: Aug. 23, 2018

The diversity and vividness of structural colour in the natural world have been recognised as far back William Hooke 17th century. Whilst it is only recently that advances field revealed elegance finesse physics used to create these effects. In this topical review we will highlight some structures effects responsible for butterfly scales, bird feathers, plants, insects beetle elytra studied date. We discuss look at similarities differences between species. This be alongside our current understanding how are created biologically, they develop structurally what control mechanisms nature has its disposal structure formation.

Language: Английский

Citations

76

Physical and behavioral adaptations to prevent overheating of the living wings of butterflies DOI Creative Commons
Cheng‐Chia Tsai, Richard Rabideau Childers, Norman Nan Shi

et al.

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Jan. 28, 2020

Abstract The wings of Lepidoptera contain a matrix living cells whose function requires appropriate temperatures. However, given their small thermal capacity, can overheat rapidly in the sun. Here we analyze butterfly across wide range simulated environmental conditions, and find that regions containing are maintained at cooler Diverse scale nanostructures non-uniform cuticle thicknesses create heterogeneous distribution radiative cooling selectively reduces temperature structures such as wing veins androconial organs. These tissues supplied by circulatory, neural tracheal systems throughout adult lifetime, indicating insect is dynamic, structure. Behavioral assays show butterflies use to sense visible infrared radiation, responding with specialized behaviors prevent overheating wings. Our work highlights physiological importance how it exquisitely regulated structural behavioral adaptations.

Language: Английский

Citations

68

Interplay between Developmental Flexibility and Determinism in the Evolution of Mimetic Heliconius Wing Patterns DOI Creative Commons
Carolina Concha,

Richard W. R. Wallbank,

Joseph J. Hanly

et al.

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 29(23), P. 3996 - 4009.e4

Published: Nov. 14, 2019

Language: Английский

Citations

65

Genomic signatures of fine‐scale local selection in Atlantic salmon suggest involvement of sexual maturation, energy homeostasis and immune defence‐related genes DOI
Victoria L. Pritchard, Hannu Mäkinen,

Juha‐Pekka Vähä

et al.

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 27(11), P. 2560 - 2575

Published: April 25, 2018

Elucidating the genetic basis of adaptation to local environment can improve our understanding how diversity life has evolved. In this study, we used a dense SNP array identify candidate loci potentially underlying fine-scale within large Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population. By combining outlier, gene-environment association and haplotype homozygosity analyses, identified multiple regions genome with strong evidence for diversifying selection. Several these had previously been in other studies, demonstrating that same could be adaptively important at subdrainage, regional continental scales. Notably, signals consistent selection around genes associated variation sexual maturation, energy homeostasis immune defence. These included large-effect age-at-maturity gene vgll3, known obesity mc4r, major histocompatibility complex II. Most strikingly, confirmed genomic region on Ssa09 was extremely differentiated among subpopulations is also over global range salmon. This colocalized strongly spawning ecotype sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka), circumstantial (six6) may selective target both cases. The phenotypic effect remains cryptic, although allelic related upstream catchment area covaries timing return migration. Our results further inform management open avenues future research.

Language: Английский

Citations

63

Structural color in Junonia butterflies evolves by tuning scale lamina thickness DOI Creative Commons
Rachel C. Thayer, Frances I. Allen, Nipam H. Patel

et al.

eLife, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 9

Published: April 7, 2020

In diverse organisms, nanostructures that coherently scatter light create structural color, but how such structures are built remains mysterious. We investigate the evolution and genetic regulation of butterfly scale laminae, which simple photonic nanostructures. a lineage buckeye butterflies artificially selected for blue wing we found thickened laminae caused color shift from brown to blue. Deletion optix patterning gene also altered via lamina thickening, revealing shared pigments thickness. Finally, show thickness variation contributes diversity distinguishes sexes species throughout genus Junonia. Thus, quantitatively tuning one dimension architecture facilitates both microevolution macroevolution broad spectrum hues. Because is an intrinsic component typical scales, our findings suggest available mechanism across Lepidoptera.

Language: Английский

Citations

58

A transposable element insertion is associated with an alternative life history strategy DOI Creative Commons
Alyssa Woronik, Kalle Tunström, Michael Perry

et al.

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: Dec. 17, 2019

Abstract Tradeoffs affect resource allocation during development and result in fitness consequences that drive the evolution of life history strategies. Yet despite their importance, we know little about mechanisms underlying tradeoffs. Many species Colias butterflies exhibit an alternative strategy (ALHS) where females divert resources from wing pigment synthesis to reproductive somatic development. Due this reallocation, a color polymorphism is associated with ALHS: either yellow/orange or white. Here map locus ALHS crocea transposable element insertion located downstream homolog BarH-1 , homeobox transcription factor. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, antibody staining, electron microscopy find white-specific expression suppresses formation granules scales gives rise white color. Lipid transcriptome analyses reveal physiological differences ALHS. Together, these findings characterize mechanism for female-limited

Language: Английский

Citations

56

Cortex cis-regulatory switches establish scale colour identity and pattern diversity in Heliconius DOI Creative Commons
Luca Livraghi, Joseph J. Hanly, Steven M. Van Belleghem

et al.

eLife, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: July 19, 2021

In Heliconius butterflies, wing colour pattern diversity and scale types are controlled by a few genes of large effect that regulate switches between morphs species across mimetic radiation. One these genes, cortex, has been repeatedly associated with evolution in butterflies. Here we carried out CRISPR knockouts multiple show cortex is major determinant cell identity. Chromatin accessibility profiling introgression scans identified cis-regulatory regions discrete phenotypic switches. perturbation black hindwing genotypes recreated yellow bar, revealing their spatially limited activity. the H. melpomene/timareta lineage, candidate CRE from yellow-barred phenotype interrupted transposable element, suggesting structural variation underlies adaptations. Our work shows functionally controls fate its control switch modular pattern-specific fashion.Heliconius butterflies have bright patterns on wings tell potential predators they toxic. As result, learn to avoid eating them. Over time, unrelated evolved similar predation through process known as Müllerian mimicry. Worldwide, there over 180,000 moths, most which different patterns. How do create this diversity? And use patterns? involved creating called cortex. This gene region DNA around it does not code for proteins, but instead, whether or off parts wing. Changes non-coding can act like switches, turning into colours complex patterns, unclear how evolved. Butterfly get tiny structures scales, each own unique set pigments. three scales: yellow/white red/orange/brown scales. Livraghi et al. used editing technique find affects type. First, confirmed deleting turned red scales yellow. Next, same manipulate see pattern. manipulation black-winged butterfly band, occurs naturally The next step was mutation responsible appearance bands nature. It turns bit extra genetic code, derived so-called ‘jumping genes’, had inserted itself gene, ‘flipping’ leading Genetic information contains instructions generate shape form organisms. These evolve millions years, everything bacteria blue whales. visual evidence evolution, way new isn't specific Understanding help researchers other too.

Language: Английский

Citations

54

Extensive hybridization reveals multiple coloration genes underlying a complex plumage phenotype DOI Open Access
Stepfanie M. Aguillon, Jennifer Walsh, Irby J. Lovette

et al.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 288(1943), P. 20201805 - 20201805

Published: Jan. 20, 2021

Coloration is an important target of both natural and sexual selection. Discovering the genetic basis colour differences can help us to understand how this visually striking phenotype evolves. Hybridizing taxa with clear shallow genomic divergences are unusually tractable for associating coloration phenotypes their causal genotypes. Here, we leverage extensive admixture between two common North American woodpeckers—yellow-shafted red-shafted flickers—to identify bases six distinct plumage patches involving melanin carotenoid pigments. Comparisons flickers across approximately 7.25 million genome-wide SNPs show that these forms differ at only a small proportion genome (mean F ST = 0.008). Within few highly differentiated regions, 368 significantly associated four patches. These linked multiple genes known be involved in pigmentation. For example, gene ( CYP2J19 ) cause yellow red transitions other birds strongly versus wing tail feathers flickers. Additionally, our analyses suggest novel links coloration. Our finding patch-specific control adds growing body literature suggesting diversity animals could created through selection acting on combinations genes.

Language: Английский

Citations

52

Single-cell atavism reveals an ancient mechanism of cell type diversification in a sea anemone DOI Creative Commons
Leslie S. Babonis, Camille Enjolras, Abigail Reft

et al.

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Feb. 16, 2023

Abstract Cnidocytes are the explosive stinging cells unique to cnidarians (corals, jellyfish, etc). Specialized for prey capture and defense, cnidocytes comprise a group of over 30 morphologically functionally distinct cell types. These unusual iconic examples biological novelty but developmental mechanisms driving diversity apparatus poorly characterized, making it challenging understand evolutionary history cells. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in sea anemone Nematostella vectensis , we show that single transcription factor ( NvSox2 ) acts as binary switch between two alternative fates. Knockout causes transformation piercing into ensnaring cells, which common other species appear have been silenced N. . results reveal an case single-cell atavism expand our understanding diversification type identity.

Language: Английский

Citations

18