Dataset Information

SOX10 regulates multiple genes to direct eumelanin vs. pheomelanin production in domestic rock pigeon

ABSTRACT: The domesticated rock pigeon (Columba livia) has been bred for hundreds of years to display an immense variety of ornamental attributes such as feather color and color patterns. Color is influenced by multiple loci that impact the type and amount of melanin deposited on the feathers. Pigeons homozygous for the “recessive red” mutation, which causes downregulation of Sox10, display brilliant red feathers instead of blue/black feathers. Sox10 encodes a transcription factor important for melanocyte differentiation and function, but the genes that mediate its promotion of black vs. red pigment are unknown. Here, we present a transcriptomic comparison of regenerating feathers from wild-type and recessive red pigeons to identify candidate SOX10 targets. Our results identify both known and novel targets, including many genes not previously implicated in pigmentation. These data highlight the value of using novel, emerging model organisms to gain insight into the genetic basis of pigment variation.

ORGANISM(S): Columba livia

PROVIDER: GSE175557 | GEO | 2024/11/10

REPOSITORIES: GEO

ACCESS DATA

Dataset's files

Source:

			Action	DRS
		Other

Items per page:

1 - 1 of 1

Similar Datasets

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

SOX10 regulates multiple genes to direct eumelanin vs. pheomelanin production in domestic rock pigeon

Dataset's files

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets