New Publication: Modular Gene Networks Drive Stress Resistance Evolution
Important publication in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics reveals how environmental and evolutionary drivers shape modular gene regulatory networks!
Former graduate student Kristin Sikkink, in collaboration with Robert Reynolds, Kate Ituarte, Patrick Phillips, and Bill Cresko, demonstrates how stress resistance evolution is controlled by modular transcriptional networks that respond dynamically to both heat and oxidative stress in C. remanei.
Network Discovery
The research reveals: - Modular gene regulatory network organization - Environment-specific network activation - Evolutionary rewiring of stress responses - Transcriptional plasticity patterns - Network robustness and flexibility
Experimental Evolution
Key approaches include: - Multi-generation selection experiments - Heat and oxidative stress treatments - RNA-seq transcriptional profiling - Network analysis methods - Comparative genomics
Stress Response Systems
The study identifies: - Heat stress response modules - Oxidative stress pathways - Cross-stress network connections - Evolutionary changes in regulation - Plasticity evolution patterns
Transcriptional Innovation
Findings demonstrate: - Dynamic network reconfiguration - Module-specific evolution - Regulatory rewiring - Expression level changes - Network topology alterations
Evolutionary Theory
This work advances: - Understanding of network evolution - Gene regulatory adaptation - Phenotypic plasticity mechanisms - Stress response evolution - Systems biology perspectives
C. remanei Model
The system provides: - Rapid generation times - Experimental evolution power - Genomic resources - Stress response conservation - Comparative opportunities
Environmental Relevance
Applications include: - Climate change adaptation - Stress tolerance evolution - Organismal resilience - Population persistence - Evolutionary predictions
Collaborative Success
This publication represents: - Graduate student achievement - Cross-lab collaboration - Integration of approaches - Mentorship excellence - Scientific teamwork