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Dryad

Data for Saccharina latissima RNA seq experiment

Data files

Nov 04, 2024 version files 23.56 KB

Abstract

Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) is an ecologically and increasingly economically important kelp, distributed from temperate to Arctic rocky shores. However, S. latissima is presently threatened by ongoing climate changes. Genetic variations have previously been identified across S. latissima populations. However, little is known regarding the genetic basis for adaptation and acclimation to different environmental conditions.

In this study, a common garden experiment was performed with sporophytes originating from North-Norway (NN), Mid-Norway (MN), and South-Norway (SN), representing areas with highly different temperatures and photoperiods. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant variation in the gene expression of cultures from North-Norway, associated with low temperature and long photoperiods, compared to Mid- and South-Norway. Genes that were differentially expressed under different photoperiod and temperature conditions included genes linked to photosynthesis, chlorophyll biosynthesis, heat response, growth, protein synthesis, and translation. However, the transcriptional responses to variations in photoperiod and temperature differed between different populations of S. latissima  (NN, MN, and SN), indicating genotypic adaptations. Overall, our study provides deeper insight into the local adaptations of S. latissima populations along the Norwegian Coast with implications for the conservation of natural populations.