Transcriptome profiling towards understanding of the morphogenesis in the scale development of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

Skin appendages in vertebrates have individual morphological differences, but share the same evolutionary origin. In this study, we used Megalobrama amblycephala as a fish model to study the developmental regulation mechanism of a common skin appendage in fish: scales. By combining in-toto live imaging method and transcriptomic analysis during the scale development, we elucidated core features of scale patterning containing three distinct regions and experiencing four stages. Differentially expressed genes in skin tissues at the initial site before and after scale development were analyzed and some key regulatory genes (Wnt3, Wnt6, Fgf8, Fgf10, Fgf16, Fgfr1a, Ihhb and BMP6) which are crucial for scale morphogenesis were selected. This study provides a strong reference for further exploration of the function of genes related to the molecular regulation mechanism of scale development in M. amblycephala, as well as in other fishes.