Evolution and Expression of Vitellogenin Genes in Fish
Author Information
Author(s): Finn Roderick Nigel, Kolarevic Jelena, Kongshaug Heidi, Nilsen Frank
Primary Institution: University of Bergen
Hypothesis
The study investigates the evolution and differential expression of vitellogenin (vtg) gene clusters in vertebrates, particularly in teleosts.
Conclusion
The vertebrate vtg gene cluster existed prior to the separation of Sarcopterygii from Actinopterygii over 450 million years ago, and its differential expression is linked to the type of eggs spawned by different fish species.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identifies gene orthologies between tetrapods and fish.
- Lineage-specific gene duplications frequently occur in teleosts.
- The vtg gene cluster is more conserved in certain fish than in others.
Takeaway
This study looks at how certain fish have different genes that help them make eggs, and how these genes have changed over a long time.
Methodology
The study integrated phylogenetic analyses of vtg transcripts from various teleosts with genomic data to understand gene evolution and expression.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a limited number of fish species and may not represent all teleosts.
Participant Demographics
Mature female cuckoo wrasse, rock cook, and goldsinny wrasse were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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