Comparative transcriptome and methylome of polar bears, giant and red pandas reveal diet-driven adaptive evolution.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the evolution of species adaptations, yet little information is available on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the adaptive evolution of bamboo-eating in both giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens). To investigate the potential contribution of epigenetic to the adaptive evolution of bamboo-eating in giant and red pandas, we performed hepatic comparative transcriptome and methylome analyses between bamboo-eating pandas and carnivorous polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We found that genes involved in carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and protein metabolism showed significant differences in methylation and expression levels between the two panda species and polar bears. Clustering analysis of

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11183199 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature