Unknown,Transcriptomics,Genomics,Proteomics

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EQTL analysis for variation in reddish/brown colouration measured in growing feathers using gene expression levels obtained by Microarray

ABSTRACT: The aim of the experiment is to identify genes that are contributing too variation in the intensity of reddish/brown colouration seen in feathers from a wild x domestic advanced intercross line of chickens. RNA was isolated from growing feathers with varying levels of reddish/brown colouration (eg. dark red, red, orange, yellow). The intensity of the colour was measured relative to a true red colour chart and expressed as percentage of the reference colour. A lower colour score indicates a darker red colour(~0,30) and a pure white gives a score of ~0,95. QTL regions for the peak and average colour score measured across the wing were obtained from a mapping population. An eQTL analysis was performed by using the gene expression levels from all genes located within the previously identified QTL confidence intervals. The gene expression values for the genes located within the confidence intervals are available in the data file.

ORGANISM(S): Gallus gallus

SUBMITTER: Jesper Fogelholm

PROVIDER: E-MTAB-8689 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress

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Project description:Plumage color plays a prominent role in reproductive isolation and thus understanding the genetic basis of pigmentation patterns can provide critical insight into speciation. Subspecies of the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) show marked differences in melanic plumage coloration known to have evolved rapidly since the Last Glacial Maximum just 18,000 years ago. To understand this rapid radiation we studied the pigment composition and the genetic basis of coloration in two divergent subspecies, the slate-colored and Oregon juncos. We used HPLC and light microscopy to investigate pigment deposition patterns in feathers from four body areas. RNA-seq data generated under common garden experimental conditions were then used to compare the relative roles of differential gene expression in growing feathers and sequence divergence in loci expressed during feather development. Junco feathers were found to differ in eumelanin and pheomelanin content and distribution, producing a range of black, gray and brown colors. Transcriptomic data revealed marked regulatory differences among subspecies and among body-parts within subspecies in known melanin-pathway genes (including PMEL, TYR, TYRP1, OCA2, MLANA), but also in several novel or poorly known loci (EDAR, VPS33B, HPS1). Within subspecies, lighter feathers expressed less melanin synthesis genes, more ASIP, and showed differential expression of Wnt signaling genes. Feathers from different body regions also showed differential expression of Hox genes. The two subspecies differed in expression of ASIP and three other genes (MFSD12, KCNJ13, HAND2) previously associated with color development. Sequence variation in the expressed genes was not related to color differences between junco subspecies. Our findings suggest that differential expression of a few genes can account for marked differences in plumage color and pattern, a mechanism that can account for the rapid diversification of juncos. Several novel candidate pigmentation genes found in juncos may contribute to the expression of melanic coloration in other vertebrates.

Dataset Information

EQTL analysis for variation in reddish/brown colouration measured in growing feathers using gene expression levels obtained by Microarray

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