Developmental constraint through negative pleiotropy in the zygomatic arch

摘要: Previous analysis suggested that the relative contribution of individual bones to regional skull lengths differ between inbred mouse strains. If negative correlation adjacent bone is associated with genetic variation in a heterogeneous population, it would be an example pleiotropy, which occurs when factor leads opposite effects two phenotypes. Confirming pleiotropy and determining its basis may reveal important information about maintenance overall integration developmental constraint on morphology. We identified correlations frontal parietal midline cranial vault as well zygomatic process maxilla, contribute arch. Through gene association mapping large population Diversity Outbred (DO) mice, we quantitative trait locus chromosome 17 driving antagonistic these arch total length. Candidate genes this region were real-time PCR maxillary processes DO founder strain embryos indicated differences RNA expression levels for candidate genes, Camkmt Six2. A genomic underlying was identified, provides mechanism antagonism component while constraining This type have led noted across mammals. Given similar mechanisms underlie other parts skull, results provide step toward understanding evolutionary