Mitochondrial remodeling supports migration in White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Data files
Nov 14, 2024 version files 103.52 KB
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Mesquita_Codes.R
73.07 KB
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Mesquita_Data.xlsx
26.59 KB
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README.md
3.86 KB
Abstract
The migratory movements undertaken by birds are among the most energetically demanding behaviors observed in nature. Mitochondria are the source of aerobic energy production on which migration depends, but a key component of mitochondrial function, mitochondrial remodeling, has not been investigated in the context of bird migration. We measured markers of mitochondrial remodeling in the skeletal muscles of the Gambel’s (migratory) and Nuttall’s (non-migratory) White-crowned Sparrows within and outside migratory periods. Gambel’s were collected in 1) a non-migration period (baseline), 2) preparation to depart for spring migration (pre-migration), and 3) active autumn migration (mid-migration). Nuttall’s were collected at time points corresponding to baseline and mid-migration in Gambel’s. Across all sampling periods, we found that migratory birds had greater mitochondrial remodeling compared to non-migratory birds. Furthermore, birds from the migratory population also displayed flexibility, increasing several markers of mitochondrial remodeling (e.g., NRF1, OPA1, Drp1) pre- and during migration. Further, the greater levels of mitochondrial remodeling and its upregulation during migration were specific to the pectoralis muscle used in flapping flight. Our study is the first to show that mitochondrial remodeling supports migration in Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows, indicating a highly specific and efficient phenotype supporting the increased energetic demands of migration.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x3ffbg7vj
Description of the data and file structure
Birds were collected as described in the associated paper. Data files contain the ID assigned to each animal, group, time-point collected (baseline, pre-migration, or mid-migration), sex (m = male, f = female), and the content of each of the proteins determined through western blots. The information contained in each file should be self-explanatory but if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the corresponding author.
We have submitted our raw data (Mesquita_Data.xlsx), R script (Mesquita_Codes.R), and supplementary material (Mesquita_tables_data_ESM.xlsx).
Files and variables
File: Mesquita_Data.xlsx
Description:
The first tab “Info” contains general information about the paper, including title, authors, journal, and DOI.
The second tab “WB_Pectoralis” contains the protein content of individual proteins in the pectoralis muscle of the birds analyzed through Western Blot, as well as animal ID, group, time-point, and sex.
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ID: ID assigned to each of the birds collected.
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Group: Birds were either from a non-migratory or migratory group.
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TP: Time-point that each bird was collected: Baseline, Pre-Migration, or Mid-Migration.
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Sex: Sex of each bird. m, male; f, female; na, not identified.
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Columns E-R: represent each of the proteins analyzed via Western blot. The values are arbitrary units, obtained by measuring the raw target band densities and normalizing by Ponceau densitometry values.
The third tab “WB_Quadriceps” contains the protein content of individual proteins in the quadriceps muscle of the birds analyzed through Western Blot, as well as animal ID, group, time-point, and sex, with the same organization as the second tab.
File: Mesquita_Codes.docx
Description: R is required to run Mesquita_Codes.R; the script was created using RStudio Version 2022.12.0.
The script contains libraries used and codes to load, organize, and analyze datasets.
File: Mesquita_tables_data_ESM.xlsx
This file contains supplementary material to the paper.
The first tab “Info” contains general information about the paper, including title, authors, journal, and DOI.
The second tab “S1. Morphology” contains Sample ID, group (Non-migratory, Migratory); Subgroup (which refers to the timepoint animals were collected: Baseline, Pre-Migration, Mid-Migration); Season correspondent to the SubGroup/Timepoint (December, September, April); Date that each bird was collected; Sex (M, male; F, female); Fat Score in arbitrary units; Muscle Score in arbitrary units; Wing Chord (mm); Tarsus Length (mm); Mass of bird (g).
Tab “S2.Morphology_Descriptives” contains the mean ± standard deviation (sample size) of muscle and fat scores for non-migratory and migratory birds during each of the time points collected (Baseline, Pre-Migration, Mid-Migration).
Tab “S3.Pectoralis_WB_Descriptives” contains protein content in arbitrary units of each protein determined by Western Blot for pectoralis muscle (Mean ± standard deviation (sample size)), organized by group (Non-migratory, migratory) and timepoint (Baseline, Pre-Migration, Mid-Migration.
Tab “S4.Quad_WB_Descriptives” contains protein content in arbitrary units of each protein determined by Western Blot for quadriceps muscle (Mean ± standard deviation (sample size)), organized by group (Non-migratory, migratory) and timepoint (Baseline, Pre-Migration, Mid-Migration.
Code/software
Microsoft Excel is needed to view the data and R/RStudio to reproduce the codes. Packages used are included in the codes.