From whole bodies to single cells: A guide to transcriptomic approaches for ecology and evolutionary biology
Title (eng)
From whole bodies to single cells: A guide to transcriptomic approaches for ecology and evolutionary biology
Author
Katja M. Hoedjes
Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
Michael G. Ritchie
Centre for Biological Diversity University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
Jessica K. Abbott
Biology Department Lund University Lund Sweden
Isabel Almudi
Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
Marta Coronado‐Zamora
Institute of Evolutionary Biology CSIC, UPF Barcelona Spain
Esra Durmaz Mitchell
Department of Biology University of Fribourg Fribourg Switzerland
Claudia Fricke
Institute for Zoology/Animal Ecology Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
Amanda Glaser‐Schmitt
Division of Evolutionary Biology LMU Munich Planegg‐Martinsried Germany
Luke Holman
School of Applied Sciences Edinburgh Napier University Edinburgh UK
Maaria Kankare
Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland
Benedict Lenhart
Department of Biology University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia USA
Dorcas J. Orengo
Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
Vera M. Yılmaz
Division of Evolutionary Biology LMU Munich Planegg‐Martinsried Germany
Sonja Grath
Abstract (eng)
RNA sequencing (RNAseq) methodology has experienced a burst of technological developments in the last decade, which has opened up opportunities for studying the mechanisms of adaptation to environmental factors at both the organismal and cellular level. Selecting the most suitable experimental approach for specific research questions and model systems can, however, be a challenge and researchers in ecology and evolution are commonly faced with the choice of whether to study gene expression variation in whole bodies, specific tissues, and/or single cells. A wide range of sometimes polarised opinions exists over which approach is best. Here, we highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches to provide a guide to help researchers make informed decisions and maximise the power of their study. Using illustrative examples of various ecological and evolutionary research questions, we guide the readers through the different RNAseq approaches and help them identify the most suitable design for their own projects.
Keywords (eng)
Bulk RNAseqCellular HeterogeneityDeconvolutionGene ExpressionSingle-cell RNAseqTranscriptomics
Type (eng)
Language
[eng]
Persistent identifier
Is in series
Title (deu)
Molecular Ecology
Volume
34
Issue
15
ISSN
0962-1083
Issued
2025
Number of pages
11
Publication
Wiley
Version type (eng)
Date issued
2025
Access rights (eng)
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© 2024 The Author(s)
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https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:4836 - Other links and identifiers
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- RightsLicenseRights statement© 2024 The Author(s)
- DetailsResource typeText (PDF)Formatapplication/pdfCreated30.01.2026 14:44:30 UTC
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