RNA seq of kidney tissue from Dipodomys spectabilis. Dipodomys spectabilis

In this project we conducted RNA seq of kidney tissue from multiple individuals of three different species of Heteromyid rodents. Two of these species, Dipodomys spectabilis and Chaetodipus baileyi, are adapted to life in desert habitats. The third, Heteromys desmarestianus, is a tropical species from wet habitats. The study sought to identify differences in the sequence and expression of genes expressed in kidney tissue between the desert species and the tropical. The goal was to understand the mechanisms underlying the osmoregulatory adaptations and ultra-efficient kidney function of desert Heteromyids. Its broader implications are in gaining greater understanding of efficient kidney function.