Captivity induces large and population-dependent brain transcriptomic changes in wild-caught cane toads (Rhinella...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Gene expression is a crucial link between an organism's genes and its environment.
• Environmental shifts, like those from wild to captivity, can significantly alter gene expression.
• Understanding these changes is vital for interpreting studies on wild populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of short-term captivity on brain gene expression in cane toads (Rhinella marina).
• To compare the effects of captivity on gene expression between long-colonized and vanguard populations in Australia.
• To assess population-specific transcriptomic responses to captivity.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of brain transcriptomes between wild-caught toads and those held in captivity for seven months.
• Analysis of gene expression levels and variability.
• Utilizing the cane toad as a model organism within its invasive range.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gene expression were observed between wild and captive toads.
• Processes related to behavior and stress response were over-represented in captive toads.
• Captivity induced greater changes in gene expression and variability in vanguard populations compared to long-colonized populations.

Conclusions:

• Short-term captivity causes substantial and population-specific changes in brain gene expression.
• Vanguard populations may exhibit higher phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental changes.
• Findings highlight the need to consider captivity effects when comparing wild populations.