Genome scanning reveals the genetic basis of a color pattern morphotype in an island population of the European adder ( Vipera berus )

Clicks: 1
ID: 318915
2026
Free PDF
Article Quality & Performance Metrics
Overall Quality
Not rated
Combines reader engagement with the AI quality analysis. This article has not been analysed, so there is no overall score — reader engagement is measured and shown alongside.
AI Quality Assessment
Not analyzed
Readership in this journal

Ranked #66 of 76 articles by views in genome biology and evolution

Most read Least read

Bar heights use a square-root scale.

Mint this article as an NFT
Not yet minted

Create a permanent, verifiable on-chain record of this article on the Scimatic Network. The NFT is held in your Journament account, and you can withdraw it to your own wallet at any time.

5 SUSD one-off · no wallet required
Sign in to mint
Abstract
Abstract Color polymorphism is an important trait due to its role in defense strategies, feeding habits, environmental responses such as temperature regulation, and overall fitness. While the genetic basis of color polymorphism is well understood in mammals, it remains relatively understudied in non-avian reptiles. Vipera berus, the European adder, is the most widely distributed and northernmost terrestrial snake in the world. Similar to other European vipers, V. berus exhibits a range of dorsal color patterns spanning from zig-zag to complete melanism. However, a unique longitudinal dorsal stripe pattern was recently discovered in the isolated Gossa Island (∼45 km2) population of Norway, where approximately 5% of snakes exhibit this distinct pattern instead of the common dorsal zig-zag pattern. In this study, we investigated the genetic basis of the unique phenotype observed on Gossa by combining low-depth whole-genome shotgun sequencing and pairwise FST genome-scanning. We discovered a moderately sized, significantly differentiated genomic region containing five associated genes, including the premelanosome gene (PMEL) that encodes a well-known transmembrane glycoprotein that is a key component of melanosome organelles. We implicate a functionally relevant variant in the encoded premelanosome protein. Our results provide insight into the evolution and genetic basis of pigmentation of squamate reptiles using the unbiased approach of genome scanning, a method that has rarely been used in this context.
Reference Key
openalex_W7166180588 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Nina Casillas, Bent Petersen, Sarah L F Martin, Kjeld Henrik Ophus, Henrik Bringsøe, Jaelle C. Brealey, Vanessa C. Bieker, Jaime Morin Lagos, Dag Dolmen, Thomas Madsen, Rasmus Nielsen, Morten E. Allentoft, José Cerca, Michael D. Martin
Journal genome biology and evolution
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/gbe/evag144
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evag144
Keywords Keywords not found

Citations

No citations found. To add a citation, contact the admin at info@scimatic.org

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment on this article.