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RNA Molecule Found to Control Butterfly Wing Colouration
Context:
Researchers from George Washington University and the University of Cambridge have uncovered a surprising genetic mechanism that influences the vibrant and complex patterns on butterfly wings.
More on News:
- The study reveals that an RNA molecule, rather than a protein, plays a pivotal role in determining the distribution of black pigment on butterfly wings.
- The study challenges the long-standing assumption that protein-coding genes are solely responsible for pigment distribution on butterfly wings.
Key Highlights:
- The study reveals that an RNA molecule, not a protein-coding gene, controls where black pigments appear on butterfly wings.
- Using the CRISPR technique, researchers found that removing the RNA-producing gene caused a complete loss of black scales on butterfly wings, showing the RNA’s crucial role in colouration.
- The RNA molecule is expressed exactly where black scales form, acting like an “evolutionary paintbrush” that precisely controls pigment placement.
- Analysis of this RNA in various butterfly species, some with evolutionary histories of about 80 million years, showed it plays a key role in controlling pigment patterns.
- Its consistent presence in butterflies from longwings to monarchs and painted ladies highlights its importance in wing pattern evolution.
Implications:
- This study changes previous ideas about genetic regulation by showing that noncoding RNAs are key to determining physical traits.
- The discovery opens new opportunities to explore how other non-coding parts of the genome affect physical and evolutionary traits in different species.
