Why does the giant panda eat bamboo? A comparative analysis of appetite-reward-related genes among mammals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The giant panda has an interesting bamboo diet unlike the other species in the order of Carnivora. The umami taste receptor gene T1R1 has been identified as a pseudogene during its genome sequencing project and confirmed using a different giant panda sample. The estimated mutation time for this gene is about 4.2 Myr. Such mutation coincided with the giant panda's dietary change and also reinforced its herbivorous life style. However, as this gene is preserved in herbivores such as cow and horse, we need to look for other reasons behind the giant panda's diet switch.

Methodology/principal findings

Since taste is part of the reward properties of food related to its energy and nutrition contents, we did a systematic analysis on those genes involved in the appetite-re

SUBMITTER: Jin K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3144909 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature