Single-cell sequencing provides clues about the developmental genetic basis of evolutionary adaptations in syngnathid fishes.

ABSTRACT: Seahorses, pipefishes, and seadragons are fishes from the family Syngnathidae that have evolved extraordinary traits including male pregnancy, elongated snouts, loss of teeth, and dermal bony armor. The developmental genetic and cellular changes that led to the evolution of these traits are largely unknown. Recent syngnathid genome assemblies revealed suggestive gene content differences and provided the opportunity for detailed genetic analyses. We created a single-cell RNA sequencing atlas of Gulf pipefish embryos to understand the developmental basis of four traits: derived head shape, toothlessness, dermal armor, and male pregnancy. We completed marker gene analyses, built genetic networks, and examined the spatial expression of select genes. We identified osteochondrogenic mesenchymal

SUBMITTER: Healey HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11790252 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature