Comparative genomics provides insights into the aquatic adaptations of mammals.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 118(37)2021 09 14.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34503999
ABSTRACT
The ancestors of marine mammals once roamed the land and independently committed to an aquatic lifestyle. These macroevolutionary transitions have intrigued scientists for centuries. Here, we generated high-quality genome assemblies of 17 marine mammals (11 cetaceans and six pinnipeds), including eight assemblies at the chromosome level. Incorporating previously published data, we reconstructed the marine mammal phylogeny and population histories and identified numerous idiosyncratic and convergent genomic variations that possibly contributed to the transition from land to water in marine mammal lineages. Genes associated with the formation of blubber (NFIA), vascular development (SEMA3E), and heat production by brown adipose tissue (UCP1) had unique changes that may contribute to marine mammal thermoregulation. We also observed many lineage-specific changes in the marine mammals, including genes associated with deep diving and navigation. Our study advances understanding of the timing, pattern, and molecular changes associated with the evolution of mammalian lineages adapting to aquatic life.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Filogenia
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Adaptação Fisiológica
/
Genoma
/
Evolução Molecular
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Genômica
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Termogênese
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Mamíferos
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
China