Larval dispersal is one of the most complex phenomena that connects populations when larvae migrate over long distances from their native reefs to a new one. Dispersal outcomes are largely variable among individuals, even siblings, and the factors that drive this variability are not understood, making it challenging to create protection plans for marine species.
Clownfish, Amphiprioninae, are among the most important coral reef species economically. Thus, creating protection plans for clownfish is necessary, especially as they are under habitat loss threat. Clownfish are considered an optimum model of organisms for studying larval dispersal and population connectivity mainly due to their relatively short larval dispersive phase and ease of breeding them in captivity. Since dispersal traits are influenced by genes, transcriptomic studies can reveal insights into larval dispersal. Thus, the variation in dispersal outcomes could be better understood if the differential expression of genes related to dispersal, such as swimming abilities, are considered. However, there is a lack of knowledge in the basics of gene expression in clownfish larvae.
The aim in this thesis is to explore the ontogenic variability in RNA quantities across development in clownfish larvae as a first step of understanding the nature of their gene expression and optimizing RNA extractions and quantifications methods using clownfish as a model organism. We performed an RNA quantification study using larvae of Amphiprion bicinctus clownfish reared at KAUST SeaLabs. This thesis provides some insights regarding the pooled and individual quantities of RNA across time. The optimal pool size and age for various transcriptomic studies was determined. It was concluded that extracting RNA from young larvae is difficult. Depending on the research, it might be necessary to use older larvae or other techniques. The results from this thesis will build the foundation needed as a first step to perform differential gene expression studying the causes of variability in dispersal traits in A. bicinctus and the link between these traits and transcriptomics.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:kaust.edu.sa/oai:repository.kaust.edu.sa:10754/693748 |
| Date | 22 August 2023 |
| Creators | Alaidrous, Wajd |
| Contributors | Berumen, Michael L., Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, Gojobori, Takashi, Carvalho, Susana |
| Source Sets | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | 2024-08-24, At the time of archiving, the student author of this thesis opted to temporarily restrict access to it. The full text of this thesis will become available to the public after the expiration of the embargo on 2024-08-24. |
| Relation | N/A |
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