Next generation transcriptomics elucidates brown algal sexual reproduction genes
Lipinska, A.; Van Damme, E.J.; De Clerck, O. (2012). Next generation transcriptomics elucidates brown algal sexual reproduction genes. J. Phycol. 48: S8-S8 In: Journal of Phycology. Blackwell Science: New York. ISSN 0022-3646; e-ISSN 1529-8817, more |  |
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| Abstract | Brown algae have served extensively as model organisms for algal life cycle studies and sexual reproduction. Yet, little is known about the molecular basis of sex determination, gamete attraction and fertilization. To provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological differentiation, gamete recognition and fusion, we sequenced the transcriptome of male and female Ectocarpus siliculosus gametes using AB SOLiD Next Generation Sequencing technology. Despite being morphologically identical, digital expression analysis identified approx. 4700 differentially expressed genes between male and female gametes. Functional analysis was performed based on Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG categories and provided valuable insight into complex transcriptome adjustment to diverse functions fulfilled by male and female gametes. Several new genes and pathways with a putative function in the recognition and attraction process were identified. We evaluated the SOLiD RNA-seq results by qPCR across different life stages in Ectocarpus, providing foundations for more detailed research on the fertilization mechanisms and the evolution of gamete recognition genes in brown algae. |
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