Cross-Species Analysis Reveals Co-Expressed Genes Regulating Antler Development in Cervidae

Antlers constitute an interesting model for basic research in regenerative biology. Despite decades of being studied, much is still unknown about the genes related to antler development. Here, we utilized both the genome and antlerogenic periosteum (AP) transcriptome data of four deer species to reveal antler-related genes through cross-species comparative analysis. The results showed that the global gene expression pattern matches the status of antler phenotypes, supporting the fact that the genes expressed in the AP may be related to antler phenotypes. The upregulated genes of the AP in three-antlered deer showed evidence of co-expression, and their protein sequences were highly conserved. These genes were growth related and likely participated in antler development. In contrast, the upregulated genes in antler-less deer (Chinese water deer) were involved mainly in organismal death and growth failure, possibly related to the loss of antlers during evolution. Overall, this study demonstrates that the co-expressed genes in antlered deer may regulate antler development.

Automated summary

Antlers are an interesting model for basic research in regenerative biology. This study utilized genome and transcriptome data from four deer species to identify genes related to antler development. The results showed that the expression pattern of genes in the antlerogenic periosteum (AP) matched the antler phenotypes, suggesting their relevance in antler development. Upregulated genes in three-antlered deer were shown to be co-expressed and highly conserved, indicating their role in growth and antler development. In contrast, upregulated genes in antler-less deer were mainly involved in organismal death and growth failure, likely related to the loss of antlers during evolution. Overall, this study demonstrates the regulation of antler development by co-expressed genes in antlered deer.