Evolutionary genetics of flipper forelimb and hindlimb loss from limb development-related genes in cetaceans

Sun, Linxia; Rong, Xinghua; Liu, Xing; Yu, Zhenpeng; Zhang, Qian; Yang, Guang; Xu, Shixia

doi:10.1186/s12864-022-09024-3

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…The Branch model (One-ratio vs. Free-ratio) and Branch-site models were utilized to identify positive selection in eight cetacean genes [ 71 ] (Table S5 , Table S6 ). Four of these genes ( SFTPB , SFTPC , MMP7 , HLA-DRB1 ) exhibited positive selection in the background branch species as well (Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolutionary genetics of pulmonary anatomical adaptations in deep-diving cetaceans

Guo,

Sun,

Wang

et al. 2024

BMC Genomics

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Background Cetaceans, having experienced prolonged adaptation to aquatic environments, have undergone evolutionary changes in their respiratory systems. This process of evolution has resulted in the emergence of distinctive phenotypic traits, notably the abundance of elastic fibers and thickened alveolar walls in their lungs, which may facilitate alveolar collapse during diving. This structure helps selective exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, while minimizing nitrogen exchange, thereby reducing the risk of DCS. Nevertheless, the scientific inquiry into the mechanisms through which these unique phenotypic characteristics govern the diving behavior of marine mammals, including cetaceans, remains unresolved. Results This study entails an evolutionary analysis of 42 genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis across 45 mammalian species. Twenty-one genes in cetaceans exhibited accelerated evolution, featuring specific amino acid substitutions in 14 of them. Primarily linked to the development of the respiratory system and lung morphological construction, these genes play a crucial role. Moreover, among marine mammals, we identified eight genes undergoing positive selection, and the evolutionary rates of three genes significantly correlated with diving depth. Specifically, the SFTPC gene exhibited convergent amino acid substitutions. Through in vitro cellular experiments, we illustrated that convergent amino acid site mutations in SFTPC contribute positively to pulmonary fibrosis in marine mammals, and the presence of this phenotype can induce deep alveolar collapse during diving, thereby reducing the risk of DCS during diving. Conclusions The study unveils pivotal genetic signals in cetaceans and other marine mammals, arising through evolution. These genetic signals may influence lung characteristics in marine mammals and have been linked to a reduced risk of developing DCS. Moreover, the research serves as a valuable reference for delving deeper into human diving physiology.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolutionary genetics of pulmonary anatomical adaptations in deep-diving cetaceans

Guo,

Sun,

Wang

et al. 2024

BMC Genomics

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show abstract

“…The Branch model (One-ratio vs Free-ratio) and Branch-site models were utilized to identify positive selection in seven cetacean genes [49] (Table S5, Table S6). Four of these genes (SFTPB, SFTPC, MMP7, HLA-DRB1) exhibited positive selection in the background branch species as well (Fig.…”

Section: Rapidly Evolving Genes and Positively Selected Genes In Ceta...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Mechanisms of Reduced Risk of Decompression Sickness in Deep Diving Cetaceans

Guo,

Sun,

Wang

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background Cetaceans, having experienced prolonged adaptation to aquatic environments, have undergone evolutionary changes in their respiratory systems. This process of evolution has resulted in the emergence of distinctive phenotypic traits, notably the abundance of elastic fibers in their lungs. These fibers facilitate the collapse of cetaceans' lungs during dives and subsequent re-expansion upon surfacing, effectively reducing the risk of decompression sickness. Such adaptations play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of decompression sickness during deep dives. Nevertheless, the scientific inquiry into the mechanisms through which these unique phenotypic characteristics govern the diving behavior of marine mammals, including cetaceans, remains unresolved.Results This study entails an evolutionary analysis of 42 genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis across 45 mammalian species. Twenty-one genes in cetaceans exhibited accelerated evolution, featuring specific amino acid substitutions in 14 of them. Primarily linked to the development of the respiratory system and lung morphological construction, these genes play a crucial role. Moreover, among marine mammals, we identified eight genes undergoing positive selection, and the evolutionary rates of three genes significantly correlated with diving depth. Specifically, the SFTPC gene exhibited convergent amino acid substitutions. Through in vitro cellular experiments, we illustrated that convergent amino acid site mutations in SFTPC contribute positively to pulmonary fibrosis in marine mammals, thereby reducing the risk of decompression sickness during diving.Conclusions The study unveils pivotal genetic signals in cetaceans and other marine mammals, arising through evolution. These discoveries yield substantial biological insights into how these species mitigate the risk of decompression sickness during dives. Moreover, the research serves as a valuable reference for delving deeper into human diving physiology.

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Fibroblast growth factor 10

Rochais,

Kelly

2023

Differentiation

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Evolutionary genetics of flipper forelimb and hindlimb loss from limb development-related genes in cetaceans

Cited by 4 publications

References 61 publications

Evolutionary genetics of pulmonary anatomical adaptations in deep-diving cetaceans

Evolutionary genetics of pulmonary anatomical adaptations in deep-diving cetaceans

Molecular Mechanisms of Reduced Risk of Decompression Sickness in Deep Diving Cetaceans

Fibroblast growth factor 10

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