Comparative analysis of the domestic cat genome reveals genetic signatures underlying feline biology and domestication.

ABSTRACT: Little is known about the genetic changes that distinguish domestic cat populations from their wild progenitors. Here we describe a high-quality domestic cat reference genome assembly and comparative inferences made with other cat breeds, wildcats, and other mammals. Based upon these comparisons, we identified positively selected genes enriched for genes involved in lipid metabolism that underpin adaptations to a hypercarnivorous diet. We also found positive selection signals within genes underlying sensory processes, especially those affecting vision and hearing in the carnivore lineage. We observed an evolutionary tradeoff between functional olfactory and vomeronasal receptor gene repertoires in the cat and dog genomes, with an expansion of the feline chemosensory system for detecting ph

SUBMITTER: Montague MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4260561 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature