The Cyprinodon variegatus genome reveals gene expression changes underlying differences in skull morphology among closely related species.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding the genetic and developmental origins of phenotypic novelty is central to the study of biological diversity. In this study we identify modifications to the expression of genes at four developmental stages that may underlie jaw morphological differences among three closely related species of pupfish (genus Cyprinodon) from San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Pupfishes on San Salvador Island are trophically differentiated and include two endemic species that have evolved jaw morphologies unlike that of any other species in the genus Cyprinodon.

Results

We find that gene expression differs significantly across recently diverged species of pupfish. Genes such as Bmp4 and calmodulin, previously implicated in jaw diversification in African cichlid fishes and Gal

SUBMITTER: Lencer ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5450241 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature