Presentation Details
| Tick-Tock! Do Clock Genes Underlie Variation in the Circadian Timing of Cichlid Locomotor Activity? Chloe E.Hoff1, Niah Holtz1, Evan Lloyd2, 3, Alex C.Keene2, R.Craig Albertson1. 1University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.2Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.3Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA |
Abstract
Differences in circadian rhythm are an important way in which species partition their ecological niches, which in turn is essential in the maintenance of biodiversity. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms that regulate variation of this trait are poorly understood. Here, we made a hybrid cross between a diurnal and a nocturnal cichlid (Astatotilapia calliptera x Tropheops sp. “red cheek”). We reared the resulting F2 population in two social contexts (individual vs group housed), filmed individuals at two distinct developmental stages (juvenile and adult), and quantified activity levels during various times of a 24 hour cycle (day, night, dawn + dusk). Finally, we mapped QTL for total, day, night, and crepuscular activity levels, as well as for the day:night activity ratio. We detect numerous robust QTL, and find that the genetic architectures are distinct between developmental stages and social contexts. Notably, clock genes co-localize to many QTL peaks across all groups. These results highlight the genetic complexity of variation in the circadian timing of locomotor activity and implicate clock genes in modulating these behaviors.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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