Iridophores as a source of robustness in zebrafish stripes and variability in Danio patterns

Alexandria Volkening () and Björn Sandstede
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Alexandria Volkening: Brown University
Björn Sandstede: Brown University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Zebrafish (Danio rerio) feature black and yellow stripes, while related Danios display different patterns. All these patterns form due to the interactions of pigment cells, which self-organize on the fish skin. Until recently, research focused on two cell types (melanophores and xanthophores), but newer work has uncovered the leading role of a third type, iridophores: by carefully orchestrated transitions in form, iridophores instruct the other cells, but little is known about what drives their form changes. Here we address this question from a mathematical perspective: we develop a model (based on known interactions between the original two cell types) that allows us to assess potential iridophore behavior. We identify a set of mechanisms governing iridophore form that is consistent across a range of empirical data. Our model also suggests that the complex cues iridophores receive may act as a key source of redundancy, enabling both robust patterning and variability within Danio.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05629-z

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