Genetic Basis of Melanin Pigmentation in Butterfly Wings.

ABSTRACT: Despite the variety, prominence, and adaptive significance of butterfly wing patterns, surprisingly little is known about the genetic basis of wing color diversity. Even though there is intense interest in wing pattern evolution and development, the technical challenge of genetically manipulating butterflies has slowed efforts to functionally characterize color pattern development genes. To identify candidate wing pigmentation genes, we used RNA sequencing to characterize transcription across multiple stages of butterfly wing development, and between different color pattern elements, in the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardui This allowed us to pinpoint genes specifically associated with red and black pigment patterns. To test the functions of a subset of genes associated with pre

SUBMITTER: Zhang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5378112 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature