DNA methylation Analysis Show Epigenetic Function During Pigmentation in kohaku Koi (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Koi (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) is a widely popular ornamental fish, valued for both its aesthetic appeal and economic significance. The diverse colorations and patterns of various koi strains make them an excellent model for investigating the genetic underpinnings of pigmentation. However, research on the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation-induced pigmentation across different koi phenotypes remains limited. The analysis of methylation profiles of different phenotypes of koi helps to better understand the mechanisms of pigmentation regulation.