RNA-seq analysis to identify genes related to resting egg production of panarctic Daphnia pulex

The genus Daphnia switches its reproductive mode from subitaneous egg production to resting egg production in response to environmental stimuli. In this project, we examined genes related to induction of resting egg production using two genotypes of panarctic Daphnia pulex, the JPN1 and JPN2 lineages, which differ genetically in the frequency of resting egg production. We reared these genotypes under high and low food levels. At the high food level, individuals of both genotypes continually produced subitaneous eggs, whereas at the low food level, only the JPN2 genotype produced resting eggs. Then, we performed RNA-seq analysis for these individuals of three instars: Pre-adolescent instars (Pr) that had not yet developed ovaries, adolescent instars (Ad) that had initiated ovary development, and adult instars (AE) that had deposited eggs into the brood chamber or ephippial carapace.