The behavioural-driven response of the Drosophila imago transcriptome to different types of modified gravity

Abstract

Genome-wide transcriptional profiling experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) have revealed important alterations in the gene expression of Drosophila. In contrast, simulated microgravity experiments in Earth-based laboratories, where the particular constraints and conditions in orbiting spacecraft are absent, show weaker changes in gene expression. Here we use the "gene expression dynamics inspector" (GEDI) self-organizing maps to investigate the effect of altered gravity on different populations of Drosophila. We employ diamagnetic levitation and different mechanical techniques to generate microgravity and hypergravity and compare the changes in gene expression in these modified environments. In addition to behavioural and reproductive responses detected at the gene expression level, our results also indicate a subtle response of the transcriptome that is finely-tuned to Earth´s gravity.