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Perry I, Hernadi SB, Cunha L, Short S, Marchbank A, Spurgeon DJ, Orozco-terWengel P, Kille P. Molecular insights into high-altitude adaption and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/11/e202201513. [PMID: 35977843 PMCID: PMC9386962 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A megabase genome assembly for Aporrectodea caliginosa is presented with transcriptomic and SNP-based evidence for acclimatisation and adaption to extreme weather conditions found at high altitude. Here, we explore the high-altitude adaptions and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa. Population diversity is assessed through mitochondrial barcoding, identifying closely related populations across the island of Pico (Azores). We present the first megabase N50 assembly size (1.2 Mbp) genome for A. caliginosa. High- and low-altitude populations were exposed experimentally to a range of oxygen and temperature conditions, simulating altitudinal conditions, and the transcriptomic responses explored. SNP densities are assessed to identify signatures of selective pressure and their link to differentially expressed genes. The high-altitude A. caliginosa population had lower differential expression and fewer co-expressed genes between conditions, indicating a more condition-refined epigenetic response. Genes identified as under adaptive pressure through Fst and nucleotide diversity in the high-altitude population clustered around the differentially expressed an upstream environmental response control gene, HMGB1. The high-altitude population of A. caliginosa indicated adaption and acclimatisation to high-altitude conditions and suggested resilience to extreme weather events. This mechanistic understanding could help offer a strategy in further identifying other species capable of maintaining soil fertility in extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Perry
- Organisms and Environment, Cardiff University, Wales, UK .,Wales Gene Park, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Luis Cunha
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,School of Applied Sciences, University of South Wales, Wales, UK
| | - Stephen Short
- Organisms and Environment, Cardiff University, Wales, UK.,UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Wallingford, UK
| | | | - David J Spurgeon
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Wallingford, UK
| | | | - Peter Kille
- Organisms and Environment, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
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