Transcriptomic profiling of Cu-regulated genes in an oceanic diatom

Copper (Cu) plays an essential role in cellular metabolism and limits phytoplankton growth and production in parts of the open sea. Whole transcriptome analysis provides a powerful tool to explore gene expression profiles and cellular metabolic pathways regulated by Cu. In this study, we identified Cu-regulated genes by profiling the transcriptomes of an oceanic diatom, Thalassiosira oceanica 1005, adapted to survive in a Cu-limited and Cu-replete environment. The results provide insights to the mechanisms of adaptation and acclimation of T. oceanica to low Cu environments. Overall design: Examination of Cu-replete, Cu-limited and Cu-transient cells, in triplicate, using Illumina Hiseq 2000