Mobilisation of jerboa kidney gene networks during dehydration and opportunistic rehydration

Desert animals have evolved systems that enable them to thrive under dry conditions. Focusing on the kidney, we have investigated the transcriptomic adaptations that enable a desert rodent, the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus), to withstand water deprivation and opportunistic rehydration. Analysis of the whole kidney transcriptome showed many differentially expressed genes in the Jerboa kidney, 6.4% of genes following dehydration and an even greater number (36.2%) following rehydration compared to control. Genes correlated with the rehydration condition included many ribosomal protein coding genes suggesting a concerted effort to accelerate protein synthesis when water is made available. We identify an increase in TGF-beta signaling antagonists in dehydration (e.g., GREM2). We also describe expression of multiple aquaporin and solute carrier transporters mapped to specific nephron segments. The desert adapted renal transcriptome presented here is a valuable resource to expand our understand-ing of osmoregulation beyond that derived from model organisms.

Automated summary

This study investigates the transcriptomic adaptations in the kidney of a desert rodent, the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, that enable it to withstand water deprivation and rehydration. The analysis shows a significant number of differentially expressed genes in the Jerboa kidney, especially following rehydration. The findings provide valuable insights into osmoregulation beyond what is known from model organisms.