Transcriptomic analysis of vitellogenesis and lipid transport in the placentotrophic lizard Marisora sp.
This project investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying vitellogenesis and lipid transport in Marisora sp., a viviparous lizard exhibiting obligate placentotrophy and truncated vitellogenesis. Using RNA-seq, we analyzed the transcriptomes of liver and ovarian tissues collected from females during previtellogenic and vitellogenic reproductive stages. The primary goal of this study is to determine if Vitellogenin (VTG) transcripts are conserved in this species or if they have been lost in association with the evolution of complex placental nourishment, a pattern of convergence observed in mammals. Additionally, the study aims to identify and characterize alternative lipid transport proteins, such as Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and microsomal triglyceride transfer proteins (MTP), that may facilitate maternal nutrient provisioning to the embryo in the absence of large yolk reserves.