The transcriptional legacy of developmental stochasticity

Ballouz, Sara, Kawaguchi, Risa Karakida, Pena, Maria T, Fischer, Stephan, Crow, Megan, French, Leon, Knight, Frank M, Adams, Linda B, Gillis, Jesse (November 2023) The transcriptional legacy of developmental stochasticity. Nature Communications, 14 (1). p. 7226. ISSN 2041-1723

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Abstract

Genetic and environmental variation are key contributors during organism development, but the influence of minor perturbations or noise is difficult to assess. This study focuses on the stochastic variation in allele-specific expression that persists through cell divisions in the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). We investigated the blood transcriptome of five wild monozygotic quadruplets over time to explore the influence of developmental stochasticity on gene expression. We identify an enduring signal of autosomal allelic variability that distinguishes individuals within a quadruplet despite their genetic similarity. This stochastic allelic variation, akin to X-inactivation but broader, provides insight into non-genetic influences on phenotype. The presence of stochastically canalized allelic signatures represents a novel axis for characterizing organismal variability, complementing traditional approaches based on genetic and environmental factors. We also developed a model to explain the inconsistent penetrance associated with these stochastically canalized allelic expressions. By elucidating mechanisms underlying the persistence of allele-specific expression, we enhance understanding of development's role in shaping organismal diversity.

Item Type:	Paper
Subjects:	bioinformatics bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing > DNA, RNA structure, function, modification bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing > DNA, RNA structure, function, modification > transcription bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics
CSHL Authors:	Gillis, Jesse
Communities:	CSHL labs > Gillis Lab
SWORD Depositor:	CSHL Elements
Depositing User:	CSHL Elements
Date:	9 November 2023
Date Deposited:	22 Nov 2023 16:05
Last Modified:	22 Nov 2023 16:05
PMCID:	PMC10632366
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/41320

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