Effects of ambient temperature on transcript levels and alternative polyadenylation in Drosophila melanogaster [RNA-seq]

Cells in ectothermic organisms often maintain homeostatic function over a considerable range of ambient temperatures. However, as temperature has pronounced effects on all biological processes, but not necessarily in a uniform manner on each of the myriad of distinct processes, cellular acclimation to ambient temperature change is predicted to involve complex regulation. To assess the effects of temperature change within the readily tolerated range on the transcriptome, we have performed analyses with the ectothermic organism Drosophila melanogaster. Both adult male flies and S2R+ cells were analyzed. 3' RNA-Seq was applied to study effects of ambient temperature change on transcript levels and on polyadenylation site selection. Aliquots of adult male flies and S2R+ cells, respectively, were shifted to distinct temperatures (11, 14, 25 and 30°C). Twenty-four hours later, total RNA was isolated and analyzed by 3' RNA-Seq. Three replicate experiments were performed.