Abstract Detail

Genomics / Proteomics

Miller, Allison [1].

Comparative transcriptomics of two closely related grapevine species (Vitis riparia and V. rupestris).

Understanding the genomic basis of adaptation is a fundamental goal of plant evolutionary biology. Ongoing research in my lab focuses on two North American grapevine species, Vitis riparia and V. rupestris, close relatives that have diverged morphologically, genetically, and with respect to the environmental variables characterizing their natural geographic ranges. To understand the genomic basis of divergence in these two taxa, we conducted an RNA-seq experiment in a common garden that included three clones each of three V. riparia genotypes and three V. rupestris genotypes. Leaves were frozen on site, and RNA extraction, cDNA library construction, and single-end sequencing were completed separately for each clone at each time point. Transcript abundances among species, among genotypes, and across time points were compared using Welch’s T test under default and conservative parameter sets. Results identified gene regions that were consistently differentially expressed in all accessions of V. riparia and V. rupestris at both time points, providing a window into species level differences. Comparisons among time points revealed considerable, species-specific temporal variation in gene expression. Sequence variation underlying differentially expressed transcripts displayed contrasting mutation patterns in high-abundance transcripts in V. riparia vs. V. rupestris. Taken together, these data provide evidence for genomic differentiation and gene expression differences among V. riparia and V. rupestris, close relatives adapted to unique abiotic conditions in nature. Because V. riparia and V. rupestris are commonly used rootstock species the European grapevine (V. vinifera ssp. vinifera), basic science reported here may have applications in rootstock use strategy and breeding.

1 - Saint Louis University, Biology, 3507 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA

Keywords:
transcriptomics
grapevine
natural variation
common garden
adaptation
Abiotic stress.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 48
Location: Salon 19/20/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 4:30 PM
Number: 48012
Abstract ID:1005
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award