Molluscan Genomes Reveal Extensive Differences in Photopigment Evolution Across the Phylum.

ABSTRACT: In animals, opsins and cryptochromes are major protein families that transduce light signals when bound to light-absorbing chromophores. Opsins are involved in various light-dependent processes, like vision, and have been co-opted for light-independent sensory modalities. Cryptochromes are important photoreceptors in animals, generally regulating circadian rhythm, they belong to a larger protein family with photolyases, which repair UV-induced DNA damage. Mollusks are great animals to explore questions about light sensing as eyes have evolved multiple times across, and within, taxonomic classes. We used molluscan genome assemblies from 80 species to predict protein sequences and examine gene family evolution using phylogenetic approaches. We found extensive opsin family expansion and contr

SUBMITTER: McElroy KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10733189 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature