Comparative genomics of brain development : insights from mouse, chicken and turkey
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Maternal resources are essential for embryonic development across all vertebrate species, yet the mechanisms by which they influence brain development remain poorly understood. This study investigates how matrotrophy, maternal nutrient provisioning, affects embryonic brain development through comparative analyses in mice, chicken, and turkey. The first chapter provides a review of literature relevant to the study. In the first study (chapter 2), sex-biased gene expression and DNA methylation were examined in the developing mouse brain from fetal to postnatal stages. A greater number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in females during fetal development, whereas more DEGs were observed in males postnatally. Functional enrichment analyses revealed sex-specific regulation of neurodevelopmental pathways, suggesting that brain development follows distinct molecular trajectories in males and females. The second study (chapter 3) analyzed gene expression and methylation profiles in the maternal mouse brain (7 days postpartum) compared to age-matched virgins. Postpartum brains exhibited significant transcriptional changes and higher CpG methylations, with DEGs enriched in pathways related to neuroplasticity and maternal behavior. These findings highlight the dynamic molecular remodeling of the maternal brain required for caregiving and social bonding. The third study (chapter 4) compared brain development in placental mammals (mice) and oviparous birds (chicken and turkey) to identify evolutionarily conserved gene regulatory mechanisms. Orthologous gene expression profiling and single-nucleus ATACseq revealed conserved transcriptional programs and chromatin accessibility patterns. Notably, enrichment of ARID3A binding motifs that is linked to placental development was found in both avian species, suggesting ancient regulatory roles repurposed across divergent reproductive strategies. Overall, these studies demonstrate that maternal provisioning shapes brain development through sex-specific, temporal, and evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms. These findings enhance our understanding of brain evolution, maternal adaptation, and the developmental origins of neurobiological diversity.
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M.S.