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Rapid changes in gene expression direct rapid shifts in intestinal form and function in the Burmese python after
Audra L Andrew1, Daren C Card1, Robert P Ruggiero2
1Department of Biology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas;
Physiological Genomics
|February 12, 2015
Summary
Burmese pythons rapidly remodel their intestines after feeding, with over 2,000 genes changing expression within 6 hours. This extreme physiological remodeling, involving gene expression and morphology, occurs within 10 days.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Genomics
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Snakes, particularly Burmese pythons, serve as exceptional models for studying extreme physiological remodeling.
- Postfeeding physiological responses in snakes involve rapid organ adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze gene expression patterns and timing in the Burmese python intestine following feeding.
- To correlate gene expression changes with alterations in intestinal morphology and function.
Main Methods:
- Time-series analysis of Burmese python intestinal tissue before, during, and after feeding.
- Gene expression profiling to identify significant changes.
Main Results:
- >2,000 genes exhibited significant expression changes in the small intestine postfeeding.
- Rapid changes in gene expression (within 6 hours) coincided with morphological and functional shifts.
- Gene expression and intestinal function returned to baseline levels within 10 days.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals rapid, large-scale gene expression changes driving extreme intestinal remodeling in Burmese pythons.
- Identified conserved vertebrate pathways suggest potential therapeutic targets for human intestinal function modulation.
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