Transcriptomic analyses during development reveal mechanisms of integument structuring and color production

• DOI: 10.1007/s10682-023-10256-2
• Publication Date: 2023-09-22T02:01:27Z
• Authors: Adam M. M. Stuckert; Layla Freeborn; Kimberly A. Howell; Yusan Yang; Rasmus Nielsen; Corinne Richards-...; Matthew D. MacManes
• Keywords: Candidate gene; Animal ecology

Abstract Skin coloration and patterning play a key role in animal survival reproduction. As result, color phenotypes have generated intense research interest. In aposematic species, can be important avoiding predation mate choice. However, we still know little about the underlying genetic mechanisms of production, particularly outside few model organisms. Here seek to understand production different colors how these undergo shifting expression patterns throughout development. To answer this, examine gene two patches(yellow green) developmental time series from young tadpoles through adults poison frog Oophaga pumilio. We identified six genes that were differentially expressed between patches every stage ( casq1, hand2, myh8, prva, tbx3, zic1). Of these, zic1 either been or implicated as other taxa. Casq1 prva buffer Ca 2+ are transporter, respectively, may preventing autotoxicity pumiliotoxins, which inhibit -ATPase activity. identify further candidate (e.g., adh, aldh1a2, asip, lef1, mc1r, tyr, tyrp1, xdh ), suite hub likely integumental reorganization during development collagen type I–IV genes, lysyl oxidases) also affect via structural organization chromatophores contribute pattern. Overall, putative types polytypic, species.