A chromosomal inversion predicts the expression of sex steroid-related genes in a species with alternative behavioral phenotypes.

ABSTRACT: In white-throated sparrows, a chromosomal rearrangement has led to alternative phenotypes that differ in sex steroid-dependent behaviors. The rearrangement has captured the genes estrogen receptor alpha and 5-alpha reductase, making these genes strong candidates for mediating the behavioral phenotypes. We report here that of the two genes, expression of estrogen receptor alpha mRNA differs between the morphs and predicts behavior to a much greater extent than does expression of 5-alpha reductase mRNA. Differentiation of estrogen receptor alpha, therefore, is likely more important for the behavioral phenotypes. We also found that in some brain regions, the degree to which testosterone treatment affects the expression of steroid-related genes depends strongly on morph. A large morph differen

SUBMITTER: Grogan KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6749608 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature