Rapid changes in gene expression direct rapid shifts in intestinal form and function in the Burmese python after feeding.

ABSTRACT: Snakes provide a unique and valuable model system for studying the extremes of physiological remodeling because of the ability of some species to rapidly upregulate organ form and function upon feeding. The predominant model species used to study such extreme responses has been the Burmese python because of the extreme nature of postfeeding response in this species. We analyzed the Burmese python intestine across a time series, before, during, and after feeding to understand the patterns and timing of changes in gene expression and their relationship to changes in intestinal form and function upon feeding. Our results indicate that >2,000 genes show significant changes in expression in the small intestine following feeding, including genes involved in intestinal morphology and function (e.

SUBMITTER: Andrew AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4421790 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature