Natural Variation in the Circadian Clock of Neurospora crassa
Author Information
Author(s): Michael Todd P., Park Sohyun, Kim Tae-Sung, Booth Jim, Byer Amanda, Sun Qi, Chory Joanne, Lee Kwangwon
Primary Institution: Cornell University
Hypothesis
The NpolyQ may be a site of variation across N. crassa populations thereby providing a mechanistic link between the environment and the circadian clock.
Conclusion
Natural variation of the WC-1 NpolyQ suggests a mechanism by which period length can be varied and selected for by the local environment that does not deleteriously affect WC-1 activity.
Supporting Evidence
- The study observed significant phenotypic variation in the period, phase, and temperature compensation of circadian regulated asexual conidiation across 143 N. crassa accessions.
- The sizes of all three WC-1 SSRs correlated with polymorphisms in other clock genes, latitude, and circadian period length.
- In a cross between two N. crassa accessions, the WC-1 NpolyQ co-segregated with period length.
Takeaway
This study looks at how a fungus called Neurospora crassa can change its internal clock based on its environment, helping it survive better.
Methodology
The study used an Inverted Race Tube Assay to measure circadian parameters in 143 N. crassa accessions.
Limitations
Not all accessions displayed a scorable banding phenotype under the two temperatures tested.
Participant Demographics
The accessions were collected from diverse geographical locations, primarily from sub-tropical and temperate environments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website