PUBLICATION
Genomic Evidence for Convergent Molecular Adaptation in Electric Fishes
- Authors
- Wang, Y., Yang, L.
- ID
- ZDB-PUB-220119-10
- Date
- 2021
- Source
- Genome biology and evolution 13(3): (Journal)
- Registered Authors
- Keywords
- scn4aa, convergent evolution, electric fishes, transcriptome
- MeSH Terms
-
- Base Sequence
- Gymnotiformes/genetics
- Electric Fish/genetics*
- Transcriptome
- Electric Organ
- PubMed
- 33638979 Full text @ Genome Biol. Evol.
Abstract
Fishes have independently evolved electric organs (EOs) at least six times, and the electric fields are used for communication, defense, and predation. However, the genetic basis of convergent evolution of EOs remains unclear. In this study, we conducted comparative genomic analyses to detect genes showing signatures of positive selection and convergent substitutions in electric fishes from three independent lineages (Mormyroidea, Siluriformes, and Gymnotiformes). Analysis of 4,657 orthologs between electric fishes and their corresponding control groups identified consistent evidence for accelerated evolution in electric fish lineages. A total of 702 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified in electric fishes, and many of these genes corresponded to cell membrane structure, ion channels, and transmembrane transporter activity. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that widespread convergent amino acid substitutions occurred along the electric fish lineages. The overlap of convergent genes and PSGs was identified as adaptive convergence, and a subset of genes was putatively associated with electrical and muscular activities, especially scn4aa (a voltage-gated sodium channel gene). Our results provide hints to the genetic basis for the independent evolution of EOs during millions of years of evolution.
Genes / Markers
Figure Gallery (4 images)
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping