Comparative genomics analyses of alpha-keratins reveal insights into evolutionary adaptation of marine mammals ...

• Main Authors: Sun, Xiaohui, Zhang, Zepeng, Sun, Yingying, Li, Jing, Xu, Shixia, Yang, Guang
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: figshare 2017
• Subjects: Genetics; FOS Biological sciences; Evolutionary Biology; Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified; Ecology; Developmental Biology; Marine Biology; baleen whale; toothed whale
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3841141; https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Comparative_genomics_analyses_of_alpha-keratins_reveal_insights_into_evolutionary_adaptation_of_marine_mammals/3841141

Abstract Background Diversity of hair in marine mammals was suggested as an evolutionary innovation to adapt aquatic environment, yet its genetic basis remained poorly explored. We scanned α-keratin genes, one major structural components of hair, in 16 genomes of mammalian species, including seven cetaceans, two pinnipeds, polar bear, manatee and five terrestrial species. Results Extensive gene loss and high pseudogenization rate of α-keratin genes were identified in cetaceans when compared to terrestrial artiodactylans (average number of α-keratins 37.29 vs. 58.33; pseudogenization rate 29.89% vs. 8.00%), especially of hair follicle-specific keratin genes (average pseudogenization rate in cetaceans of 43.88% relative to 3.80% artiodactylian average). Compared to toothed whale, the much more number of intact functional α-keratin genes was examined in the baleen whale that had specific keratinized baleen. In contrast, the number of keratin genes in pinnipeds, polar bear and manatee were comparable to those of ...