Figure 3 Correlation of gene expression between PC and WT corals during heat stress. Linear regression model with Pearson correlation was calculated for mean single gene expression (A) and mean gene expression ratio (B) of preconditioned (PC) and wild-type (WT) corals during acute heat stress (32ºC), n = 6. PC corals were exposed to three-day sublethal temperature (29ºC) and then rested for two weeks at ambient temperature (26ºC). WT corals were exposed to natural summer fluctuating oceanic temperatures in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with peaks around 29ºC. Pearson correlation factors show very similar response to sudden heat stress in both groups of corals pointing to the natural ability of corals to acclimatize to summer temperatures through modulations in the signaling pathways.
Figure 4