Applications of next-generation sequencing to the study of biological invasions

By M. Rius, S. Bourne, Harry Guy Hornsby, M. Chapman. 2015

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Through the widespread implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS), analyses of the whole genome (the entire DNA content) and the whole transcriptome (the genes being expressed) are becoming commonplace. NGS enables the analysis of a vast amount of previously unattainable genetic information. Despite this potential, NGS has yet to be widely imple- mented in genetic studies of biological invasions. The study of the genomic causes and consequences of biological invasions al- lows a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the invasion process. In this review, we present a brief introduction to NGS followed by a synthesis of current research in the genomics and transcriptomics of adaptation and coloniza- tion. We then highlight research opportunities in the field, including: (1) assembling genomes and transcriptomes of non-model organisms, (2) identifying genomic regions and candidate genes underlying evolutionary processes, and (3) studying the adaptive role of gene expression variation. In particular, because introduced species face a broad range of physiological and biotic chal- lenges when colonizing novel and variable environments, transcriptomics will enable the study of gene regulatory pathways that may be responsible for acclimation or adaptation. To conclude, we identify a number of research approaches that will aid our fu- ture understanding of biological invasions (Current Zoology 61 (3): 488-504, 2015). Keywords Exotic species, Genomics, Genotype-environment interactions, Invasive species, Invasion genetics, Invasion route, Non-indigenous species, Non-native species

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Citations in the corpus

Ascidians as models for studying invasion success (2015, background): “…genomic scans for “outlier loci” that may be involved in possible rapid local adaptation during biological invasions, or identifying specific chromosomal regions that may have been transferred between genotypes via intraspecific or interspecific admixture (Chown et al. 2015; Rius et al. 2015a).”