Fetal endocrine axes mRNA expression levels are related to sex and intrauterine position

Biology of Sex Differences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Aug. 5, 2024

Abstract Background The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and -gonadal (HPG) axes are two major pathways that connect the neural endocrine systems in vertebrates. Factors such as prenatal stress maternal exposure to exogenous steroids have been shown affect these during fetal development. Another less studied factor is transfer of hormones across fetuses multifetal pregnancies. This form has influence morphology, anatomy, physiology, behavior offspring litter-bearing mammals, an termed intrauterine position (IUP) effect. In this study, we sought delineate how IUP effects HPA HPG brain receptors, peptides, enzymes (hereafter components) utero influences may differ between males females. Methods We utilized unconventional model culled free-ranging nutria ( Myocastor coypus ), with its large natural variation. collected tissues from quantified expression key components three regions: prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, striatum. Results found interaction sex mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRHR), androgen (AR), estrogen alpha (ESR1). was significant both (GnRH) GNRHR, but different ways. adjacent same-sex neighbors had higher GnRH than neighboring opposite sex. Conversely, GNRHR exhibited inverse pattern, were levels those same Regardless IUP, most showed differences, female mRNA male fetuses. also highly related early stages gestation, there developmental stage. pregnancy, component more correlated males’, last trimester each other female’s. Conclusions study suggests sexually mechanisms regulate Higher be a mechanism help females cope prolonged over long gestational period. Additionally, findings suggest coordination requirements

Language: Английский

Genetic basis and evolution of structural color polymorphism in an Australian songbird

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 6, 2023

Abstract Island organisms often evolve phenotypes divergent from their mainland counterparts, providing a useful system for studying adaption under differential selection. Some island birds have melanic plumage differing the color of conspecifics, trait proposed as an insular adaptation. In white-winged fairywren ( Malurus leucopterus ), subspecies on two islands black nuptial whereas Australian has blue plumage. The feather nanostructure that could produce structural color, suggesting ancestor. An earlier study independent evolution melanism based history divergence. However, genetic basis and origin differentiation in this group are still unknown. Here, we used whole-genomes to investigate by comparing M. identify highly genomic regions. We identified well-known pigmentation gene ASIP four candidate genes may contribute development. also detected signatures selective sweep regions containing SCUBE2 not subspecies, predicted work, but which possesses many derived SNPs these regions, re-evolved This re-evolution was likely driven pre-existing female preference. Our findings provide new insight into coloration versus continental populations, and, importantly, play roles development coloration.

Language: Английский