Gene expression shifts in yellow-bellied marmots prior to natal dispersal.

ABSTRACT: The causes and consequences of vertebrate natal dispersal have been studied extensively, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. We used RNA-seq to quantify transcriptomic gene expression in blood of wild yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) prior to dispersing from or remaining philopatric to their natal colony. We tested 3 predictions. First, we hypothesized dispersers and residents will differentially express genes and gene networks since dispersal is physiologically demanding. Second, we expected differentially expressed genes to be involved in metabolism, circadian processes, and immune function. Finally, in dispersing individuals, we predicted differentially expressed genes would change as a function of sampling date relative to dispersal date. We

SUBMITTER: Armenta TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6450206 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature