| Parichy Lab |
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| Overview | |
| Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that D. rerio and D. kyathit are sister species. Although these species have superficially similar pigment patterns, closer inspection reveals major differences in cellular composition and mechanism of stripe addition. We are working to identify the genes and cell behaviors underlying these differences. | |
D. rerio
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D. kyathit
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| 1. Different cellular compositions comprising similar stripes between species | ||||
| In D. rerio, melanophore stripes alternate with light interstripe regions containing xanthophores... | ...but in D. kyathit, interstripes include red erythrophores with few xanthophores. | |||
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| 2. Different stripe mode of stripe addition between species | |
| In D. rerio, new stripes are added at the top and bottom of the flank as the fish grow. But in D. kyathit, new stripes are added in part by the fission of existing stripes. We are seeking the mechanism for this fundamentally different mode of stripe development and maintenance. | |
Stripes undergoing fission in a young adult D. kyathit
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Broken stripes in an older D. kyathit
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