Insertion of an invading retrovirus regulates a novel color trait in swordtail fish
Nadia B. Haghani, Tristram O. Dodge, John James Baczenas, Theresa Rose Gunn, Qinliu He, William Pangburn, Rhea Sood, Paola Fascinetto‐Zago, Kang Du, Alyssa Kaatmann, Zihao Ou, Sashoya Dougan, Terrance TL Yang, Natalie S Olmos-Santiago, Gabriel A Preising, , Molly E. Schumer
This study identifies a retrovirus insertion near the alkal2a gene as the genetic basis for a novel iridescent color trait in swordtail fish, showing its role in chromatin changes and predator interaction signals.
bioRxiv · Nov 7, 2025 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology