Genome wide transcriptional changes underlie gradual and recurrent adaptation to protein malnutrition in zebrafish.
Gradual, recurrent adaptation to protein malnutrition in zebrafish involves genome-wide transcriptional changes that enhance intestinal function and survival.
- Why it matters: Understanding how organisms adapt to nutrient deficiencies can reveal mechanisms of resilience and inform strategies for addressing malnutrition-related health issues.
- What they did: Researchers compared wild type, original, and newly generated pllp mutant zebrafish using transcriptome profiling and protein absorption assays across multiple generations, focusing on intestinal cell function.
- The result: Adapted mutants showed increased expression of endocytic and immune genes, leading to improved protein absorption and survival, demonstrating that transcriptional changes can produce stable, beneficial adaptations over generations.