Day–night gene expression reveals circadian gene; disco; as a candidate for diel-niche evolution in moths Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • ; Temporal ecological niche partitioning is an underappreciated driver of speciation. While insects have long been models for circadian biology, the genes and circuits that allow adaptive changes in diel-niches remain poorly understood. We compared gene expression in closely related day- and night-active non-model wild silk moths, with otherwise similar ecologies. Using an ortholog-based pipeline to compare RNA-Seq patterns across two moth species, we find over 25 pairs of gene orthologs showing differential expression. Notably, the gene; disco,; involved in circadian control, optic lobe and clock neuron development in; Drosophila; , shows robust adult circadian mRNA cycling in moth heads.; Disco; is highly conserved in moths and has additional zinc-finger domains with specific nocturnal and diurnal mutations. We propose; disco; as a candidate gene for the diversification of temporal diel-niche in moths.;

publication date

  • August 1, 2024

has restriction

  • hybrid

Date in CU Experts

  • January 7, 2025 5:35 AM

Full Author List

  • Sondhi Y; Messcher RL; Bellantuono AJ; Storer CG; Cinel SD; Godfrey RK; Mongue AJ; Weng Y-M; Glass D; St Laurent RA

author count

  • 17

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0962-8452

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1471-2954

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 291

issue

  • 2029