Slc7a11 downregulation is rapidly reversed after cessation of competitive social stress in zebra finches

Gene expression can be modulated by epigenetic modifications, which may lead to a rapid adaptation environmental stress. After stress cessation, changes in gene could reversed, would allow organisms maintain their phenotype under transient environments, but this mechanism is poorly understood. Social downregulates directly involved pheomelanin synthesis (Slc7a11) changing DNA m5C levels, avoiding cellular damage caused We thus investigated if Slc7a11 reversed melanocytes of growing flank feathers avoid the pigmentation phenotype. measured level at three time points: before exposure, immediately after exposure and six weeks cessation 37 male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). No differences were detected between birds exposed controls elimination, indicating that removal led downregulation. Reversibility expression, probably mediated reversible methylation, altering during stressful conditions. This one few studies vertebrates supporting idea responses adapting