Genomic insights into the genetic basis of eagle-beak jaw, large head, and long tail in the big-headed turtle.

ABSTRACT: The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is an endemic chelonian species in Asia. Unlike most other turtles in the world, P. megacephalum is characterized with eagle-beak jaw, large head, and long tail. Although these unique characteristics are well recognized, the underlying genetic basis remains largely elusive. Here, we performed comparative genomic analysis between P. megacephalum and other representative species, aiming to reveal the genetic basis of the unique morphological features. Our results revealed that the eagle-beak jaw is most likely enabled by combined effects of expansion of SFRP5, extraction of FGF11, and mutation of both ZFYVE16 and PAX6. Large head is supported by mutations of SETD2 and FGRF2 and copy number variations of six head circumfer

SUBMITTER: Gong S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10368965 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature