Transcriptomic plasticity of the hypothalamic osmoregulatory control centre of the Arabian dromedary camel

To investigate the central control of water homeostasis in the dromedary camel, we have performed transcriptomic studies on the supraoptic nucleus samples from camels under control (water ad libitum) and dehydrated (water deprivation for 20 days) conditions by RNA sequencing. We have identified genes that change in expression in response to hyperosmotic challenge and transcriptomic response networks that might be essential for adaptations of camel to live and thrive in aird desert environment. Overall design: Unilateral supraoptic nucleus samples were isolated from hypothalamus of male dromedary camels under control (water ad libitum) and dehydrated (water deprivation for 20 days) conditions (n=5 per group). Total RNA was extracted using a Direct-zol™ RNA MiniPrep kit (Zymo research, R2052) following the manufacturer's instructions. Average RNA Integrity Number (RIN) of samples processed for sequecing (n=10) was 6.27. Ribosomal depleted sequencing libraries were produced using TruSeq® Stranded Total RNA library preparation kit (illumina). Libraries were sequenced on Illumina NextSeq500 platform using NextSeq 500 High Output v2.5 (2 x 75 bp run) Kit (Illumina; 20367064).