Telomere-to-Telomere Genome Assembly of Two Hemiculter Species Provide Insights into the Genomic and Morphometric Bases of Adaptation to Flow Velocity.

ABSTRACT: Flow velocity is a key environmental factor that exerts multifaceted effects on fish growth and adaptation. Through long-term natural selection, fish have evolved adaptability to specific flow conditions, which not only relate to oxygen supply and food acquisition but also play a decisive role in reproduction, development, and population maintenance. To investigate the genomic mechanisms through which hydrodynamic environments drive divergence in closely related species, we focused on two sister species, Hemiculter bleekeri and Hemiculter leucisculus, which are adapted to contrasting flow regimes. We generated high-quality, chromosome level telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genomes and integrated comparative genomic analyses, we investigated the genetic basis underlying body shape r

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838669 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature