RNA sequencing of heat-stressed Drosophila melanogaster embryos
This study investigated how heat stress affects the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) in early Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Our rationale behind the investigation stemmed from observations that even mild heat stress in early embryos compromises their survival. So, in an effort to identify heat induced mechanisms leading to poor survival, we probed for disruption of the MZT. We collected embryos at Bownes Stages 3 and 5, representing the minor and major waves of the MZT, respectively. Using total RNA-seq, we compared embryos developing at a non-stress temperature (18 degree celsius) with embryos exposed to either acute (32 degree celsius) heat shock or chronic (32 degree celsius) heat stress. This design allowed us to determine how different intensities of heat stress alter transcriptional trajectories in early embryos.