A long noncoding RNA at the cortex locus controls adaptive coloration in butterflies

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(36)

Published: Aug. 30, 2024

Evolutionary variation in the wing pigmentation of butterflies and moths offers striking examples adaptation by crypsis mimicry. The

Language: Английский

---

TheivorylncRNA regulates seasonal color patterns in buckeye butterflies

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed elements increasingly recognized for their roles in regulating gene expression. Thus far, however, we have little understanding of how lncRNAs contribute to evolution and adaptation. Here show that a conserved lncRNA, ivory , is an important color patterning the buckeye butterfly Junonia coenia . overlaps with cortex locus linked multiple cases crypsis mimicry Lepidoptera. Along companion paper by Livraghi et. al., argue not pattern interest at this locus. In J. cluster cis -regulatory (CREs) first intron genetically associated natural variation seasonal plasticity, targeted deletions these CREs phenocopy phenotypes. Deletions different produce other distinct phenotypes as well, including loss melanic eyespot rings, positive negative changes overall wing pigmentation. We transcription factors Spineless, Bric-a-brac, Ftz-f1 bind promoter during development, suggesting they directly regulate This case study demonstrates -regulation single RNA can exert diverse nuanced effects on development patterns, modulating seasonally plastic patterns. Significance The genomic hosting has been numerous adaptation moths butterflies, crypsis, mimicry, polyphenism. butterflies actual evolutionarily long (lncRNA), dubbed Compared genes, stands out because highly nuanced, quantitative pigmentation be achieved manipulating adjacent sequences. highlights underlying morphological evolution, emphasizes importance considering transcripts comparative genomics.

Language: Английский

---

The ivory lncRNA regulates seasonal color patterns in buckeye butterflies

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(41)

Published: Oct. 1, 2024

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed elements increasingly recognized for their roles in regulating gene expression. Thus far, however, we have little understanding of how lncRNAs contribute to evolution and adaptation. Here, show that a conserved lncRNA, ivory , is an important color patterning the buckeye butterfly Junonia coenia . overlaps with cortex locus linked multiple cases crypsis mimicry Lepidoptera. Along companion paper by Livraghi et al., argue not pattern interest at this locus. In J. cluster cis -regulatory (CREs) first intron genetically associated natural variation seasonal plasticity, targeted deletions these CREs phenocopy phenotypes. Deletions different produce other distinct phenotypes as well, including loss melanic eyespot rings, positive negative changes overall wing pigmentation. We transcription factors Spineless, Bric-a-brac, Ftz-f1 bind promoter during development, suggesting they directly regulate This case study demonstrates -regulation single RNA can exert diverse nuanced effects on development patterns, modulating seasonally plastic patterns.

Language: Английский

---

Gene novelty and gene family expansion in the early evolution of Lepidoptera

BMC Genomics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 26(1)

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Abstract Background Almost 10% of all known animal species belong to Lepidoptera: moths and butterflies. To understand how this incredible diversity evolved we assess the role gene gain in driving early lepidopteran evolution. Here, compared complete genomes 115 insect species, including 99 Lepidoptera, search for novel genes coincident with emergence Lepidoptera. Results We find 217 orthogroups or families which emerged on branch leading Lepidoptera; these 177 likely arose by duplication followed extensive sequence divergence, 2 are candidates origin horizontal transfer, 38 have no homology outside Lepidoptera possibly via de novo genesis. focus two new that conserved across underwent duplication, suggesting important roles biology. One encodes a family sugar ion transporter molecules, potentially involved evolution diverse feeding behaviours The second unusual propeller-shaped proteins originated transfer from Spiroplasma bacteria; name propellin genes. Conclusion provide first insights into genetic novelty This gives insight rate during order as well providing context mechanisms origin. describe examples were retained duplicated further their importance

Language: Английский

---

Lepidopteran scale cells derive from sensory organ precursors through a canonical lineage

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 1, 2024

Abstract The success of butterflies and moths is tightly linked to the origin scales within group. A long-standing hypothesis postulates that are homologous well-described mechanosensory bristles found in fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster , where both derive from an epithelial precursor specified by lateral inhibition then undergoes multiple rounds division. Previous histological examination candidate gene approaches identified parallels genes involved scale bristle development. Here, we provide definitive developmental transcriptomic evidence differentiation lepidopteran derives canonical cell lineage, known as Sensory Organ Precursor (SOP). Live imaging moth butterfly pupae shows SOP cells undergo two asymmetric divisions first abrogate neurogenic lead a differentiated its associated socket cell. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing across time-series early pupal development revealed differential expression patterns mirror lineage development, including Notch-Delta signalling components, adhesion molecules, cycling factors, terminal markers, suggesting shared program. Additionally, recovered novel gene, POU-domain transcription factor pdm3 proper wing scales. Altogether, these data open up avenues for understanding type specification illustrate how single-cell transcriptomics powerful platform evolution types.

Language: Английский

---

Single-nucleus transcriptomics of wing sexual dimorphism and scale cell specialization in sulphur butterflies

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 12, 2024

Abstract The evolution of sexual secondary characteristics necessitates regulatory factors that confer identity to differentiating tissues and cells. In Colias eurytheme butterflies, males exhibit two specialized wing scale types — UV-iridescent (UVI) lanceolate scales absent in females likely integral male courtship behavior. This study investigates the mechanisms single-nucleus transcriptomics underlying these sexually dimorphic cell during development. We show Doublesex (Dsx) expression is itself required repress UVI state females, while unexpectedly, activation independent from Dsx. melanic marginal band, Dsx each sex enforce presence males, their absence females. Single-nucleus RNAseq reveals precursors distinctive gene profiles at 40% pupal development, with marker genes include regulators transcription, signaling, cytoskeletal patterning, chitin secretion. Both male-specific share a low Bric-a-brac ( Bab ) transcription factor, key repressor fate. ChIP-seq profiling suggests binds cis-regulatory regions markers associated fate, including potential effector involved regulation processes secretion, loci showing signatures recent selective sweeps an UVI-polymorphic population. These findings open new avenues for exploring patterning shedding light on driving specification sex-specific states differentiation ultrastructures.

Language: Английский

---

Hidden in plain sight: (Re)definition of a key lepidopteran color patterning gene

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(49)

Published: Nov. 25, 2024

Language: Английский

---