Thyroid Hormone Effects on Axolotl Metamorphosis
Author Information
Author(s): Page Robert B, Voss Stephen R, Samuels Amy K, Smith Jeramiah J, Putta Srikrishna, Beachy Christopher K
Primary Institution: University of Kentucky
Hypothesis
Does T4 concentration affect morphological metamorphosis and gene expression in the axolotl?
Conclusion
The study found that T4 concentration affects the timing of gene expression and the shape of temporal gene expression profiles during metamorphosis in axolotls.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals treated with 50 nM T4 completed metamorphosis by Day 28.
- 402 genes were differentially expressed by ≥ two-fold between T4 treatments.
- Gene expression changes were observed as early as Day 2 in the higher T4 concentration.
Takeaway
When axolotls are given different amounts of a hormone called T4, it changes how quickly they grow up and how their genes work.
Methodology
Juvenile Mexican axolotls were treated with 5 and 50 nM T4, and epidermal tissue was collected at four time points for microarray analysis.
Limitations
The study only examined two concentrations of T4 and may not represent all possible effects of thyroid hormones on metamorphosis.
Participant Demographics
Juvenile Mexican axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) from a single genetic cross.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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