Transcriptomic profiling reveals tissue-specific and sex-dimorphic lipid storage in Bufo gargarizans

Our study revealed the central role of calcium signaling in adipose tissue diversification in B. gargarizans, linking tissue-biased gene networks to evolutionary adaptations. We found subcutaneous fat depots prioritized calcium-mediated adipogenesis, while visceral fat diverged into female lipid storage versus male gonadal protection via Mucin O-glycans. Our work redefines amphibian adipose systems as vertebrate lipid metabolism models, uncovers evolutionarily conserved modules in vascular regulation and stress-induced glycosylation, and elucidates mechanisms bridging adaptive energy allocation in amphibians.