Distinct genetic origins of eumelanin levels and barring patterns in cichlid fishes

Pigment patterns are incredibly diverse across vertebrates and are shaped by multiple selective pressures from predator avoidance to mate choice. A common pattern across fishes, but for which we know little about the underlying mechanisms, is repeated melanic vertical bars. To understand the genetic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2024-07, Vol.19 (7), p.e0306614
Main Authors: Brandon, A Allyson, Michael, Cassia, Carmona Baez, Aldo, Moore, Emily C, Ciccotto, Patrick J, Roberts, Natalie B, Roberts, Reade B, Powder, Kara E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal reproduction
Animals
Biology and Life Sciences
Biosynthesis
Cichlids - genetics
Cichlids - metabolism
Color
Datasets
Female
Females
Fishes
Gene mapping
Genes
Genetic diversity
Genetic factors
Hybrids
Male
Males
Mate selection
Medicine and Health Sciences
Melanins - genetics
Melanins - metabolism
Patterning
Phenotype
Phenotypes
Phenotypic variations
Physical Sciences
Physiological aspects
Pigmentation
Pigmentation - genetics
Pigments
Quantitative genetics
Quantitative Trait Loci
Research and Analysis Methods
Speciation
Vertebrates
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Summary:Pigment patterns are incredibly diverse across vertebrates and are shaped by multiple selective pressures from predator avoidance to mate choice. A common pattern across fishes, but for which we know little about the underlying mechanisms, is repeated melanic vertical bars. To understand the genetic factors that modify the level or pattern of vertical barring, we generated a genetic cross of 322 F2 hybrids between two cichlid species with distinct barring patterns, Aulonocara koningsi and Metriaclima mbenjii. We identify 48 significant quantitative trait loci that underlie a series of seven phenotypes related to the relative pigmentation intensity, and four traits related to patterning of the vertical bars. We find that genomic regions that generate variation in the level of eumelanin produced are largely independent of those that control the spacing of vertical bars. Candidate genes within these intervals include novel genes and those newly-associated with vertical bars, which could affect melanophore survival, fate decisions, pigment biosynthesis, and pigment distribution. Together, this work provides insights into the regulation of pigment diversity, with direct implications for an animal's fitness and the speciation process.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0306614