Predicting Performance and Plasticity in the Development of Respiratory Structures and Metabolic Systems
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: The scaling laws governing metabolism suggest that we can predict metabolic rates across taxonomic scales that span large differences in mass. Yet, scaling relationships can vary with development, body region, and environment. Within species, there is variation in metabolic rate that is independent of mass and which may be explained by genetic variation, the environment or their interaction (i.e., metabolic plasticity). Additionally, some structures, such as the insect tracheal respiratory system, change throughout development and in response to the environment to match the changing functional requirements of the organism. We discuss how study of the development of respiratory function meets multiple challenges set forth by the NSF Grand Challenges Workshop. Development of the structure and function of respiratory and metabolic systems (1) is inherently stable and yet can respond dynamically to change, (2) is plastic and exhibits sensitivity to environments, and (3) can be examined across multiple scales in time and space. Predicting respiratory performance and plasticity requires quantitative models that integrate information across scales of function from the expression of metabolic genes and mitochondrial biogenesis to the building of respiratory structures. We present insect models where data are available on the development of the tracheal respiratory system and of metabolic physiology and suggest what is needed to develop predictive models. Incorporating quantitative genetic data will enable mapping of genetic and genetic-by-environment variation onto phenotypes, which is necessary to understand the evolution of respiratory and metabolic systems and their ability to enable respiratory homeostasis as organisms walk the tightrope between stability and change.
DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu018
Authors: K. J. Greenlee, K. L. Montooth, B. R. Helm
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,243
Funder: National Science Foundation
Awards: CAREER: Ontogenetic changes in tracheal system structure and function in larval insects, MRI: Acquisition of a three-dimensional X-ray imaging system (microCT) supporting multiple users, research, and education through a central facility, CAREER: The physiology and genetics of adaptation in a complex environment, A Workshop to address the Grand Challenge: How Organisms Walk the Tightrope Between Stability and Change?
OpenAlex ID: W2162418606