Integrated genomic and structural dissection of melanism in Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Melanism in wild felids represents an intriguing evolutionary trait, potentially advantageous under specific ecological conditions, but the genetic basis of this phenotype remains unclear in many populations. Here, we explored melanism in the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) by integrating whole-genome sequencing with evolutionary and structural analyses.

Results

We identified a single-point mutation (p.C117F) in the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) gene. Evolutionary analyses indicated signs of positive selection acting on the ASIP locus, while codon usage patterns revealed no impairment in translational efficiency. Computational predictions (SIFT, PROVEAN) classified the mutation as functionally damaging. Structural modelling combined with molecular dynami

SUBMITTER: Ghosh A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12607190 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature