GSE211060
Population transcriptogenomics highlights impaired metabolism and small population sizes in tree frogs living in the Chernobyl Exclusion zone
Functional modifications shape the ability of populations to cope with anthropogenic environmental changes. These modifications are mediated by complex interactions between transmitted and non-transmitted changes which limit their prediction. To study how these changes are intertwined with evolutionary processes in a case of persistent anthropogenic environmental change, we characterized population structure, genetic diversity and individual response on gene expression of the tree frog Hyla orientalis along a gradient of radioactive contamination around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. We detected lower effective population size in populations most exposed to ionizing radiation that is not compensated by migrations from surrounding areas. We also highlight a decreased body condition of frogs living in the most contaminated area, a peculiar transcriptomics signature and stop-gained mutations in genes involved in energy metabolism. Population most exposed to ionizing radiation in the Chernobyl exclusion zone experience both genetic drift and functional changes that collectively point towards deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on tree frogs and potential difficulty to adapt to this novel environment. Overall design: Sampling of 87 Hyla Orientalis individuals along a gradient of radioactive contamination in the chernobyl exlusion zone and in Slavutich, and performed RNAseq  analysis to study gene expression and SNP polymorphisms