Sequences obtained from Python hearts during fasting and fed states. Python bivittatus

The infrequently-feeding Burmese python (Python molurus) experiences significant and rapid postprandial cardiac hypertrophy followed by regression as digestion is completed. To begin to explore the molecular mechanisms of this response, we have sequenced and assembled the fasted and post-fed Burmese python heart transcriptomes with Illumina technology using the chicken (Gallus gallus) genome as a reference. In addition, we have used RNA-seq analysis to identify differences in the expression of biological processes and signaling pathways between fasted, 1 day post-fed (DPF), and 3DPF hearts. Out of a combined transcriptome of ~2,800 mRNAs, 464 genes were differentially expressed. Genes showing differential expression at 1DPF compared to fasted were enriched for biological processes involved in metabolism and energetics while genes showing differential expression at 3DPF compared to fasted were enriched for processes involved in biogenesis, structural remodeling, and organization. Moreover, we present evidence for the activation of physiologic and not pathologic signaling pathways in this rapid, novel model of cardiac growth in pythons. Together, our data provide the first comprehensive gene expression profile for a reptile heart. (Note: Taxonomy associates the common name Burmese python with Python bivattus but shows Python molurus bivittatus as an other name.)