A Synergy of Spatiotemporal Transcriptomic Techniques for Non-Model Organism Studies: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Ocean Blue
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Kelly Watson Thesis.pdf
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Kelly Watson Thesis
Embargo End Date:
2022-07-14
Type
ThesisAuthors
Watson, Kelly
Advisors
Aranda, Manuel
Committee members
Peixoto, Raquel S
Frøkjær-Jensen, Christian

Program
Marine ScienceKAUST Department
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) DivisionDate
2021-07Embargo End Date
2022-07-14Permanent link to this record
http://hdl.handle.net/10754/670220
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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 2022-07-14.Abstract
In situ hybridization (ISH) has played a crucial role in developing a spatial transcriptomic understanding of emerging model organisms in the past, but advancing high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology has pushed this method into the shadows, leading to a loss of data resolution. This shift in research towards the exclusive use of RNA-seq neglects essential considerations for transcriptomic studies including the spatial and temporal expression of transcripts, available budget, experimental design needs, and validation of data. A synergy of spatiotemporal transcriptomic techniques is needed, using the bulk and unbiased analysis of RNA-seq and the visual validation and spatiotemporal resolution of ISH. Integration of this synergistic approach can improve our molecular understanding of non-model organisms and establish the background data needed for advancing research techniques. A prime example lies within an emerging model of the marine science and symbiosis fields, where I present a case study on a threatened coral reef keystone – the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis. Establishing a whole-mount ISH protocol for the emerging cnidarian model Aiptasia (sea anemone) will help future studies reveal the gene regulation underpinning the establishment, persistence, and breakdown of this complex symbiotic relationship.Citation
Watson, K. (2021). A Synergy of Spatiotemporal Transcriptomic Techniques for Non-Model Organism Studies: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Ocean Blue. KAUST Research Repository. https://doi.org/10.25781/KAUST-9Y5P5ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.25781/KAUST-9Y5P5