상명대 생물정보학 연구실

A genomic study on predator-induced adaptation of Korean Daphnia galeata

This study investigates the transcriptomic and genomic mechanisms underlying predator-induced adaptation in Daphnia galeata populations from Korean freshwater ecosystems. Specifically, we aim to elucidate the gene regulatory networks governing adaptive responses to predator cues.

To achieve this, we collect D. galeata specimens from diverse aquatic environments across Korea, where environmental factors vary, and assess adaptive traits, including morphological and life history changes induced by predator exposure. We identify population-specific differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) associated with predator-induced adaptation and conduct functional analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway mapping, and network analysis. Additionally, we examine transcription start site (TSS) sequences of DETs and investigate variations in transcriptional regulatory regions. Furthermore, we perform a comparative analysis of promoter methylation patterns to explore predator-induced adaptation from an epigenetic perspective.

By integrating multi-omics data, this study aims to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying predator-induced adaptation in D. galeata. The findings will offer fundamental insights into the molecular basis of environmental adaptation, contribute to a systems biology-based understanding of adaptation and evolution, and support the establishment of Daphnia as a model organism for Korea-specific ecotoxicological assessments.