Data from: Gene expression shifts in yellow-bellied marmots prior to natal dispersal

The causes and consequences of vertebrate natal dispersal have been
studied extensively, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms
involved. We used RNA-seq to quantify transcriptomic gene expression in
blood of wild yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) prior to
dispersing from or remaining philopatric to their natal colony. We tested
three predictions. First, we hypothesized dispersers and residents will
differentially express genes and gene networks since dispersal is
physiologically demanding. Second, we expected differentially expressed
genes to be involved in metabolism, circadian processes, and immune
function. Finally, in dispersing individuals, we predicted differentially
expressed genes would change as a function of sampling date relative to
dispersal date. We detected 150 differentially expressed genes, including
genes that have critical roles in lipid metabolism and antigen defense.
Gene network analysis revealed a module of 126 co-expressed genes
associated with dispersal that was enriched for extra-cellular immune
function. Of the dispersal-associated genes, 22 altered expression as a
function of days until dispersal, suggesting that dispersal-associated
genes do not initiate transcription on the same time scale. Our results
provide novel insights into the fundamental molecular changes required for
dispersal and suggest evolutionary conservation of functional pathways
during this behavioral process.