Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Associated With Sexual Dichromatism of Head Feather Color in Mallard

Ma, Shengchao; Liu, Hehe; Wang, Jianmei; Wang, Lei; Yang, Xi; Liu, Yisi; Xu, Qian; Hu, Jiwei; Han, Chunchun; Bai, Lili; Li, Liang; Wang, Jiwen

doi:10.3389/fgene.2021.627974

Cited by 7 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 50 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This supports the concept of sex-based differences in melanin levels on the dorsal skin of Hungarian white geese. Furthermore, similar sexual dimorphism has been observed in Barn Swallows [6] and mallards [23], it has been attributed to signi cant sex-speci c variations in determinants in uencing melanin deposition and feather coloration. Based on our ndings and previous research, it becomes evident that the coloration of the dorsal down in newborn Hungarian white geese exhibits sexual dimorphism, closely associated with both the quantity and distribution of melanin within the feather follicle.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in Dorsal Down Coloration in Goslings

Liu,

Li,

Guo

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Distinctive sexual dimorphism in dorsal down coloration is apparent in day-old Hungarian white goose goslings, characterized by darker dorsal plumage in females and lighter plumage in males. The ability to autosex day-old goslings based on their dorsal down coloration is crucial for efficient management and nutrition strategies in the poultry industry. The objective of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the potential biological and genetic mechanisms governing sexually dimorphic down coloration in geese, utilizing tissue slice analysis, biochemical assays, transcriptomic profiling, and q-PCR analysis. Results The tissue slice and biochemical results revealed that female geese exhibited a higher density of melanin-containing feather follicles and a greater concentration of melanin within these follicles compared to male geese during embryonic development at 17 days and in day-old goslings. Both female and male individuals, in comparison to 17-day goose embryos, showed a significant decrease in melanin concentrations in the dorsal skin of day-old goslings. Through transcriptome analysis, we identified a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (MC1R, TYR, TYRP1, DCT and MITF) associated with Melanogenesis pathways that exhibit substantial down-regulation or complete silencing specifically within the dorsal skin of day-old goslings when compared to 17-day embryos. This resulting in impaired melanin synthesis in the feather follicle. Additionally, sexual dimorphism in feather coloration is associated with two key DEGs (MC1R and MITF). Female geese exhibited higher expression levels of MC1R and MITF, positively correlated with increased melanin synthesis and deposition, resulting in a more pronounced plumage phenotype characterized by darker coloration. Conclusions Melanin synthesis in goose feather follicles was determined by the expression of multiple melanogenesis genes. Sexual dimorphism in dorsal down coloration of day-old Hungarian white goose goslings was contingent upon two essential MC1R and MITF genes. Our research lays the essential foundation for advancing the breeding in autosexing geese, promising substantial benefits to breeders and producers.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in Dorsal Down Coloration in Goslings

Liu,

Li,

Guo

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Further functional enrichment analysis indicated that CACNA1I , WDR59 , GNAO1 and CACNA2D4 genes might be critical for green heads formation of male ducks. These genes are mainly involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, melanogenesis, mTOR signaling pathway and calcium signaling pathway, which are closely related to the regulation of melanin synthesis and metabolism (Li et al, 2018; Ma et al, 2021; Park et al, 2015; Qi et al, 2022; Wang, Xi, et al, 2022b). Therefore, we considered that mutations in genes related to melanin synthesis and metabolism pathways would affect melanin synthesis and subsequently affect individual green head trait differences in male ducks.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These results indicate that phenotypic diversity is abundant in this study population. Moreover, previous studies have shown that the content of eumelanin plays a dominant role in forming the green head of male ducks (Eliason & Shawkey, 2012;Haase et al, 1995;Khudiyev et al, 2014;Ma et al, 2021). However, melanin synthesis is environmentally and genetically co-controlled.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, it is essential to analyze the molecular basis of the formation speed and color depth of green head traits in male ducks, which greatly explains the dimorphic plumage color mechanism in poultry. Additionally, our previous transcriptome results have found that TYRP1 linked with Z‐chromosome contributes to duck plumage color sexual dimorphism in a dose‐dependent manner (Ma et al, 2021; Wang, Xi, et al, 2022b). The above results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the difference in feather color between male and female poultry.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Integration of GWAS and eGWAS to screen candidate genes underlying green head traits in male ducks

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sexually dimorphic plumage coloration is widespread in birds. The male possesses more brightly colored feathers than the female. Dark green head feathers comprise one of the most typical appearance characteristics of the male Ma duck compared with the female. However, there are noticeable individual differences observed in these characteristics. Herein, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were employed to investigate the genetic basis of individual differences in male duck green head-related traits. Our results showed that 165 significant SNPs were associated with green head traits. Meanwhile, 71 candidate genes were detected near the significant SNPs, including four genes (CACNA1I, WDR59, GNAO1 and CACNA2D4) related to the individual differences in the green head traits of male ducks. Additionally, the eGWAS identified three SNPs located within two candidate genes (LOC101800026 and SYNPO2) associated with TYRP1 gene expression, and might be important regulators affecting the expression level of TYRP1 in the head skin of male ducks. Our data also suggested that transcription factor MXI1 might regulate the expression of TYRP1, thereby causing differences in the green head traits among male ducks. This study provided primary data for further analysis of the genetic regulation of duck feather color. K E Y W O R D SeGWAS, green head traits, GWAS, male duck, TYRP1

show abstract

“…Furthermore, the head feathers of male wild ducks appeared green, whereas females exhibited a subdued head feather color. Genes such as TYR, SLC38A11, REELD1, and SYNPR may influence the distinct color differences between the head and back feathers of males and the head feathers of females, with TYR and TYRP1 being directly related to melanin biosynthesis [15]. Knobs represent a unique appearance characteristic of geese, but their tissue morphology and genetic mechanisms have not yet been revealed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transcriptome Profiling Unveils Key Genes Regulating the Growth and Development of Yangzhou Goose Knob

Xu,

Fan,

et al. 2024

IJMS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Goose is one of the most economically valuable poultry species and has a distinct appearance due to its possession of a knob. A knob is a hallmark of sexual maturity in goose (Anser cygnoides) and plays crucial roles in artificial selection, health status, social signaling, and body temperature regulation. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing the growth and development of goose knobs remain completely unclear. In this study, histomorphological and transcriptomic analyses of goose knobs in D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese revealed differential changes in tissue morphology during the growth and development of goose knobs and the key core genes that regulate goose knob traits. Observation of tissue sections revealed that as age increased, the thickness of the knob epidermis, cuticle, and spinous cells gradually decreased. Additionally, fat cells in the dermis and subcutaneous connective tissue transitioned from loose to dense. Transcriptome sequencing results, analyzed through differential expression, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and pattern expression analysis methods, showed D70-vs.-D120 (up-regulated: 192; down-regulated: 423), D70-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1394; down-regulated: 1893), and D120-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1017; down-regulated: 1324). A total of 6243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, indicating varied expression levels across the three groups in the knob tissues of D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese. These DEGs are significantly enriched in biological processes (BP) such as skin morphogenesis, the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation, and epidermal cell differentiation. Furthermore, they demonstrate enrichment in pathways related to goose knob development, including ECM–receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, and PPAR signaling. Through pattern expression analysis, three gene expression clusters related to goose knob traits were identified. The joint analysis of candidate genes associated with goose knob development and WGCNA led to the identification of key core genes influencing goose knob development. These core genes comprise WNT4, WNT10A, TCF7L2, GATA3, ADRA2A, CASP3, SFN, KDF1, ERRFI1, SPRY1, and EVPL. In summary, this study provides a reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of goose knob growth and development and provides effective ideas and methods for the genetic improvement of goose knob traits.

show abstract

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Associated With Sexual Dichromatism of Head Feather Color in Mallard

Cited by 7 publications

References 50 publications

Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in Dorsal Down Coloration in Goslings

Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in Dorsal Down Coloration in Goslings

Integration of GWAS and eGWAS to screen candidate genes underlying green head traits in male ducks

Transcriptome Profiling Unveils Key Genes Regulating the Growth and Development of Yangzhou Goose Knob

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About