Genome-Wide Characterization of Four Gastropod Species Ionotropic Receptors Reveals Diet-Linked Evolutionary Patterns of Functional Divergence.

ABSTRACT: Ionotropic receptors (IRs) are a divergent subfamily of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) that detect olfactory and environmental cues, influencing behaviors such as foraging and adaptation. To explore the evolution of IRs in relation to feeding ecology, we identified IRs and iGluRs from the genomes of four gastropods with distinct diets: Pomacea canaliculata (9 IRs/18 iGluRs), Bellamya purificata (10/22), Cipangopaludina chinensis (11/23), and Babylonia areolata (22/41). IRs were markedly expanded in B. areolata, suggesting lineage-specific diversification. Phylogenetic analysis grouped IRs and iGluRs into three clades, with IRs clustered with GluD, supporting early functional divergence following gene duplication. In all species, IR25b show

SUBMITTER: Wang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12837371 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature