RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Molecular insights into high-altitude adaption and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa JF Life Science Alliance JO Life Sci. Alliance FD Life Science Alliance LLC SP e202201513 DO 10.26508/lsa.202201513 VO 5 IS 11 A1 Perry, Iain A1 Hernadi, Szabolcs Balazs A1 Cunha, Luis A1 Short, Stephen A1 Marchbank, Angela A1 Spurgeon, David J A1 Orozco-terWengel, Pablo A1 Kille, Peter YR 2022 UL http://www.life-science-alliance.org/content/5/11/e202201513.abstract AB Here, we explore the high-altitude adaptions and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa. Population diversity is assessed through mitochondrial barcoding, identifying closely related populations across the island of Pico (Azores). We present the first megabase N50 assembly size (1.2 Mbp) genome for A. caliginosa. High- and low-altitude populations were exposed experimentally to a range of oxygen and temperature conditions, simulating altitudinal conditions, and the transcriptomic responses explored. SNP densities are assessed to identify signatures of selective pressure and their link to differentially expressed genes. The high-altitude A. caliginosa population had lower differential expression and fewer co-expressed genes between conditions, indicating a more condition-refined epigenetic response. Genes identified as under adaptive pressure through Fst and nucleotide diversity in the high-altitude population clustered around the differentially expressed an upstream environmental response control gene, HMGB1. The high-altitude population of A. caliginosa indicated adaption and acclimatisation to high-altitude conditions and suggested resilience to extreme weather events. This mechanistic understanding could help offer a strategy in further identifying other species capable of maintaining soil fertility in extreme environments.