Adaptive evolution of the osmoregulation-related genes in cetaceans during secondary aquatic adaptation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osmoregulation was a primary challenge for cetaceans during the evolutionary transition from a terrestrial to a mainly hyperosmotic environment. Several physiological mechanisms have been suggested to maintain the water and salt balance in cetaceans, but their genetic and evolutionary bases remain poorly explored. The current study investigated the genes involved in osmoregulation in cetaceans and compared them with their counterparts in terrestrial mammals to test whether adaptive evolution occurred during secondary aquatic adaptation.

Results

The present study analyzed the molecular evolution of 11 osmoregulation-related genes in 11 cetacean species, which represented all of the major cetacean clades. The results demonstrated positive selection acting on angiote

SUBMITTER: Xu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3848586 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature