Influence of kinship and MHC class II genotype on visual traits in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)

PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e51182. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051182. Epub 2012 Dec 10.

Abstract

Kin recognition can drive kin selection and the evolution of social behaviour. In zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton 1822), kin recognition is based on olfactory and visual imprinting processes. If larvae are exposed to visual and chemical cues of kin at day 5 and 6 post fertilization they will recognize kin throughout life, while exposure to non-kin fails to trigger any recognition. Chemical imprinting signals are transcribed by polymorphic genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code; however, the underlying mechanism for visual imprinting remains unclear. Here we provide evidence for the existence of family-specific differences in morphometry and pigmentation pattern of six day old zebrafish larvae. While rump, tail and body pigmentation were dependent on relatedness, iris pigmentation and morphometry were also influenced by MHC class II genotype. Our study revealed that the MHC not only influences the chemical signature of individuals, but also their visual appearance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers
  • Eye Color
  • Genotype*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics*
  • Larva / physiology*
  • Skin Pigmentation
  • Vision, Ocular / genetics*
  • Zebrafish / genetics*
  • Zebrafish / growth & development

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II

Grants and funding

The project is funded by the DFG (GE 842/5-1)and is part of the SPP 1392 (integrative analysis of olfaction). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.