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Published on: March 2, 2019
Differentially expressed genes identified by cross-species microarray in the blind cavefish Astyanax
Allen G Strickler1, William R Jeffery1
1Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
Integrative Zoology
|March 12, 2011
Summary
Gene expression analysis in blind cavefish revealed significant downregulation of eye development genes and upregulation of cell death pathways, suggesting apoptosis drives eye degeneration during regressive evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genomics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The teleost Astyanax mexicanus exhibits distinct surface-dwelling (surface fish) and blind cave-dwelling (cavefish) forms.
- Understanding the genetic basis of regressive evolution, particularly eye loss in cavefish, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed genes during the development of surface fish and cavefish.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying eye degeneration in cavefish.
Main Methods:
- Cross-species microarray analysis using zebrafish DNA chips hybridized with surface and cavefish RNA.
- Confirmation of gene expression changes using in situ hybridization and immunostaining.
Main Results:
- Identified 67 differentially expressed probe sets at three days post-fertilization: 6 upregulated and 61 downregulated in cavefish.
- Downregulated genes are predominantly involved in eye development (e.g., gamma crystallins, rhodopsin) and programmed cell death.
- Upregulated genes include one similar to human ubiquitin specific protease 53.
Conclusions:
- Cross-species microarrays are effective for identifying differentially expressed genes in cavefish.
- Apoptotic processes are likely involved in cavefish eye degeneration.
- The predominance of downregulated genes aligns with morphological losses observed in regressive evolution.
