Seascape genomics reveals candidate molecular targets of heat stress adaptation in three coral species

摘要: Anomalous heat waves are causing a major decline of hard corals around the world and threatening persistence coral reefs. There are, however, reefs that had been exposed to recurrent thermal stress over years whose appeared tolerant against heat. One mechanisms could explain this phenomenon is local adaptation, but underlying molecular poorly known. In work, we applied seascape genomics approach study adaptation in three species New Caledonia (southwestern Pacific) uncover actors potentially involved. We used remote sensing data characterize environmental trends across reef system, sampled living at most contrasted sites. These samples underwent next generation sequencing reveal single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) which frequencies associated with gradients. As these SNPs might underpin an adaptive role, characterized functional roles genes located their genomic neighborhood. each studied species, found notably proximity coding for well-established cellular responses Among these, can mention proteins involved DNA damage-repair, protein folding, oxidative homeostasis, inflammatory apoptotic pathways. some cases, same putative targets recurred among species. Together, results underscore relevance power discovery traits allow persist wider ranges.